Ty Gibbs, the prodigious grandson of renowned NASCAR team proprietor Joe Gibbs, began the 2025 season amidst lofty anticipations. His impressive track record in the 2024 season, which included making the playoffs, finishing the regular season in ninth place, and securing a runner-up position at Darlington, sparked considerable optimism. However, the concluding stretch of the season indicated a stark downturn, as Gibbs, the 2022 Xfinity series champion, ended up 30th or worse in his last five races.
This troubling trend has continued into the current season, with Gibbs finishing outside the top 20 in two of the first five races and failing to finish two others. Amidst these mounting challenges, Gibbs’ exasperation was palpable during a recent race in Las Vegas, where he was overheard lamenting his struggles on the track.
These ongoing struggles have led to speculation about whether a tough decision regarding Gibbs’ future lies ahead for his grandfather and team owner, Joe Gibbs. However, NASCAR insider Jordan Bianchi firmly disputes the notion of Ty Gibbs’ career being in decline. Instead, he confidently asserts that a turnaround for Gibbs is inevitable, given the backing of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR).
JGR driver Christopher Bell’s recent victory in the Pennzoil 400, his fourth consecutive win, has diverted the spotlight towards the potential next breakthrough driver. Ty Gibbs was once considered a top contender, but his current slump has raised doubts. However, Bianchi remains steadfast in his belief in Gibbs, insisting that his affiliation with JGR positions him for a quick recovery.
Bianchi’s faith in Gibbs is rooted in the robust strength of JGR’s program, as evidenced by Christopher Bell’s three victories in the first five races this year and the consistent top 10 performances from Denny Hamlin. Bianchi is confident that in due time, Gibbs will overcome his current struggles and reaffirm his standing.
However, Gibbs’ ongoing difficulties are perplexing considering his palpable talent, which was on full display during his dominant run in the 2022 Xfinity Series, where he won seven races and clinched the championship. His move to the Cup Series has been marked by inconsistency, despite showing potential last year at Darlington where he finished runner-up to Brad Keselowski.
Recently, Christopher Bell attempted to provide some guidance to Gibbs, emphasizing the importance of focusing on controllable aspects and maintaining preparedness.
The struggles of other young drivers, such as Carson Hocevar, put Gibbs’ situation in perspective. Hocevar, despite a commendable third-place finish in Atlanta, also has three races outside the top 30, including two DNFs. However, unlike Hocevar, Gibbs bears the burden of the JGR legacy. If he doesn’t secure a win in the next two races, he will set an unfortunate record as the longest-tenured JGR driver without a victory.
Gibbs’ struggles have not only been taxing for him but have also deeply affected his family. His mother, Heather Gibbs, has expressed the heartbreak of watching her son grapple with unmet expectations. Heather also pointed out the disadvantageous start to the season, with the first two races held at notoriously unpredictable tracks, Daytona and Atlanta, where Gibbs experienced early crashes.
At just 22, Ty Gibbs still has the opportunity to resurrect his career. However, if his struggles persist, his grandfather, Joe Gibbs, may be faced with a difficult decision. As the Gibbs family and fans anxiously watch the unfolding of this season, the question remains: Can Ty Gibbs reclaim his former glory and continue the legacy of the Gibbs family in NASCAR? Only time will tell.