Ty Gibbs, grandson of a $70 million worth NASCAR legend, Joe Gibbs, refused to bask in personal glory after a career-reviving third-place finish in the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Instead, he spotlighted his team’s grit, underscoring a humility that belies his meteoric rise.
The 22-year-old’s season-best result capped a three-race surge from 34th to 20th in points. Yet Gibbs deflected praise, a trait that defined his rebound from early-season struggles.
Bristol Breakthrough Highlights Ty Gibbs’ Team-First Ethos
Gibbs’ No. 54 Toyota battled shifting track conditions at Bristol, where unexpected rubber buildup minimized tire wear. The crew, led by rookie NASCAR Cup Series crew chief Tyler Allen, adapted on the fly.
“I feel like the track was speed, time-wise very fast, but it felt like very less grip. I don’t know, but I don’t really care,” Gibbs said post-race.
“I think we just did a good job of adapting to how it was and kept pressing forward. … We had a really good clean day, so you know, really happy to have that. It’s been [a] pretty chaotic start to our year. I think we’re back where we’re going to run.”
His sixth-place qualifying effort, a season-best, proved crucial. “I’ll shoot you guys straight. We all have the same car. Just what it is,” Gibbs noted, referencing NASCAR’s parity-driven Next Gen era.
“It’s going to be hard to pass because everybody has the same exact stuff and [can only make] very small adjustments. I think that’s what they wanted, and now, that’s kind of what we’ve got.”
In a presser before the Food City 500 at Bristol, Gibbs praised new hire Robert “Cheddar” Smith, a championship-winning car chief from Kevin Harvick’s Stewart-Haas Racing days.
“It’s definitely very valuable to have a veteran guy,” he said.
Strategic Shifts Fuel Gibbs’ Playoff Push
Joe Gibbs Racing’s offseason overhaul, including promoting Chris Gabehart to oversee all four teams, paid dividends. Gibbs’ third-place finish marked his second straight top-10, a stark contrast to five consecutive finishes outside the top 20 earlier this season.
“Just good to get us some reps and to be in this position. Very happy to have a good run, and I definitely think we’re going to be real solid,” Gibbs told Fox Sports.
His improved qualifying runs — 13th at Martinsville, ninth at Darlington, and sixth at Bristol — provided the clean air critical for modern NASCAR success.
READ MORE: NASCAR Cup Bristol Results — Food City 500
Gibbs dismissed gripes about NASCAR’s competitive balance, suggesting horsepower increases could mitigate follow-the-leader racing.
“You can keep adjusting the tire and slowing it down, but then we all slow down together. And I think we all see that too,” he said. “And I don’t really know. It’s not my job because I don’t work for NASCAR. I just drive in NASCAR and just try to maximize what we can do.”
The mindset mirrors his pre-race declaration: “My identity is not in Cup racing.” Instead, Gibbs focuses on incremental gains.
“We’re definitely a capable team of running in the top five every weekend,” he said, eyeing Talladega’s high-stakes draft.
Gibbs’ blend of privilege and practicality resonates as the series enters its lone off-week. For NASCAR’s youngest Gibbs heir, Bristol wasn’t a coronation, just another step in proving he’s more than a famous last name.
Ty Gibbs is not humble i unfortunately had the opportunity to meet him at a fan meeting. He was rude and uninterested in the fans