Can Joe Gibbs Racing Pull Off a Clean Sweep in the NASCAR Cup Series Round of 12?

Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) made a stunning statement in the Round of 16, sweeping all three races with victories from Chase Briscoe, Denny Hamlin, and finally Christopher Bell. Their dominance was the talk of the NASCAR world, showcasing not only driver talent but also impressive team strategy and execution. Now, as the playoffs advance to the Round of 12, the big question looms larger: can JGR maintain this momentum and pull off a clean sweep once again?

The challenges ahead are different, but the confidence within the JGR camp is at an all-time high. The next three races at New Hampshire, Kansas, and the Charlotte Roval provide both opportunities and tests, and how JGR leverages their recent performance could determine their championship destiny.

Momentum from the Round of 16

JGR’s Round of 16 sweep wasn’t just historic; they announced their return in dramatic fashion. Chase Briscoe kicked off the domination by winning the inaugural playoff race at Darlington and became the first driver since 2006 to win back-to-back Southern 500s. He maintained this form in the next race at Gateway, finishing runner-up while his teammate Denny Hamlin scored his first win at the WWTR. Then, at Bristol, with Christopher Bell’s victory, the team achieved another milestone by becoming the first team to lead 10,000 laps in the Next Gen era.

These victories and domination proved that JGR has found a formula for success, and they need to go ahead. This momentum fuels confidence and powers their approach, moving into the next stage. The team is riding a wave of determination, and this trio’s ability to capitalize on caution-filled, strategy-heavy races shows their mental toughness and adaptability. Carrying this energy forward will be key, as the Round of 12’s diverse set of tracks demands sharp execution and consistency.

Round of 12 tracks suit Joe Gibbs Racing’s strengths

The next round comprises New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Kansas Speedway, and Charlotte Roval, forming a trio of venues where JGR has historically performed well. At New Hampshire, a track known for demanding precision and handling, JGR drivers have finished on top in recent years, especially Bell, who has alone secured two wins there in the last three seasons. Even Briscoe finished runner-up in the 2024 edition, starting from the 23rd position, though as a Stewart-Haas Racing driver.

Kansas, a fast intermediate track, hasn’t seen a JGR win recently, but its setup knowledge often puts them in contention. Denny Hamlin, except for his last race, where he finished 36th, has had an impressive record at Kansas, where he has finished in the top 10 in the last eight visits. Chase Briscoe finished 4th in May, but his previous records at the track have seen mid-pack finishes. The strongest on the team at this track is definitely Christopher Bell, who has finished in the top 10 in his last four races, including the runner-up finish in May this year.

The Charlotte Roval, combining road course and oval elements, suits skilled drivers like Bell and Hamlin, who excel in strategic, technical racing. Individual performances so far in 2025 reflect this pattern, with JGR consistently running near the front at such tracks.

Lessons from past Round of 12 campaigns

Experience counts in navigating the playoffs, and JGR’s drivers know the pitfalls to avoid. In past Round of 12 runs, minor mistakes (pit miscommunications, overaggressive restarts, or missed tire strategies) have cost them points and wins. For instance, Christopher Bell finished seventh at the 2024 Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway despite starting on the pole and leading 21 laps. Late-race restarts and pit strategy calls pushed the field into tight competition. And while Bell remained competitive, he lost positions in the closing laps to faster cars with fresher tires or better track position.

This season, the Joe Gibbs Racing team appears dialed in on minimizing errors, trusting their communication lines and data-driven decisions. Veterans like Hamlin bring calm leadership, while younger drivers like Bell have learned from near-misses. Avoiding unnecessary risks while staying aggressive enough to win will be the delicate balance JGR will strive to maintain.

Odds of another clean sweep for Joe Gibbs Racing

The notion of repeating a flawless Round of 16 performance is tantalizing but difficult. Playoff competition intensifies in the Round of 12, and other teams like Hendrick Motorsports will aim to bring their A-game, especially after their own Round of 16 upset. Wrecks, upsets, or strategy blunders can derail even the best-run teams, something which is very likely to happen at the Charlotte Roval, given the track’s unique layout and being the final race in the round.

However, Joe Gibbs Racing’s recent form, driver depth, and strategic prowess give them a stronger chance than other teams to continue dominating. While another clean sweep isn’t guaranteed, it’s clear that Joe Gibbs Racing will be the team to watch out for. If their focus and execution hold steady, the path to Phoenix remains wide open. It cannot be ruled out that all three could make the Championship 4 and ultimately it’s JGR that lifts the trophy.