“We’re f— right now, so we’ve gotta do something different.” These inflammatory words came from Ty Gibbs during the Watkins Glen race in August. But more than his frustration, what really stood out was Gibbs’ open defiance of one of his team’s most experienced members. He questioned the strategy calls of Chris Gabehart, who has been working with Gibbs as his crew chief since the beginning of the season.
For those who may not be familiar with the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Ty Gibbs is a rising star in the sport. At just 18 years old, he has already made a name for himself with his impressive performances on the track. He is the grandson of NASCAR Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs and has been touted as one of the sport’s future superstars. But with his recent actions, some fans are starting to question whether he has the maturity and respect for his team that is necessary to succeed in this highly competitive sport.
The incident in question occurred during the Watkins Glen race, where Gibbs was struggling with his car’s handling and was unable to keep up with the leaders. As a result, his crew chief Gabehart made the decision to pit early and change the car’s strategy in hopes of gaining an advantage. However, Gibbs was not pleased with this call and made his feelings known over the team radio, using expletives to express his frustration.
But what really caused a stir among fans was Gibbs’ decision to post a screenshot of the team radio conversation on his Instagram story. This move was seen as a direct attack on Gabehart and showed a lack of respect for his crew chief and the team as a whole. It also sparked a heated debate among fans, with many criticizing Gibbs for his behavior and questioning whether he was ready for the pressure and responsibility that comes with being a professional race car driver.
This incident also comes on the heels of another controversy involving Gibbs and his team. Just a few weeks ago, Gibbs was involved in a heated on-track incident with fellow driver Denny Hamlin. The two made contact during a race, which resulted in Hamlin crashing and ultimately losing the race. After the race, Gibbs took to social media to defend his actions and even went as far as to call Hamlin a “spoiled driver.” This move was met with backlash from fans and fellow drivers, who saw it as a disrespectful and unsportsmanlike behavior.
It’s clear that Gibbs has a lot of talent behind the wheel, but his recent actions have raised concerns about his attitude and behavior off the track. Many fans are now questioning whether he has the necessary maturity and respect for his team and fellow competitors to succeed in this sport. Some have even gone as far as to label him as a “spoiled driver” who needs to learn how to handle the pressures and challenges of being a professional race car driver.
But despite the criticism, there are still many supporters who believe that Gibbs is just a young driver who is still learning and growing. They argue that his passion and determination on the track are what make him a promising talent, and that he will learn from these incidents and become a better driver and teammate in the future.
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that Gibbs is still just 18 years old and has a lot of potential ahead of him. He is still learning and developing as a driver, and it’s natural for him to make mistakes along the way. What’s important is that he learns from these mistakes and uses them to become a better driver and a better person.
In conclusion, while Ty Gibbs’ recent actions have caused controversy and raised questions about his attitude and behavior, it’s important to give him the benefit of the doubt and allow him to learn and grow from these experiences. He has the talent and potential to become a successful driver in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and with the right guidance and support from his team, he can overcome these challenges and become a respected and admired figure in the sport. Let’s give him the chance to prove himself and show that he is more than just a “spoiled driver.”
