Ty Gibbs: The Up-and-Coming Star in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series
Ty Gibbs, the grandson of Pro Football and NASCAR Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs, is making a name for himself in the world of racing. The 19-year-old driver is stepping into the top ride in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series, where he will be racing full time for his grandfather’s team, the No. 54 Toyota. The car won 10 times in 2021, with Gibbs behind the wheel for four of them, earning him the rookie of the year honors and a full-time ride with the family business. He also won the ARCA Series title.
One Step Away from the Top Tier Cup Series
With his promotion in the Xfinity Series, Ty Gibbs is now only one step away from the top-tier Cup Series. He is one of many storylines worth watching this season as he continues to make waves in the racing world. If he continues to have a successful season, it’s not impossible that he could make the jump to the Cup Series in the near future.
A Star-Studded Cup Team
Ty Gibbs’ Cup team is filled with some of the biggest names in racing, including former series champions Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr., as well as three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin. While Busch and Truex are entering the final year of their contracts, Hamlin has started his own team, 23XI Racing, with NBA great Michael Jordan. With such experienced and successful drivers on the team, Ty Gibbs has the opportunity to learn from the best and continue to grow as a driver.
Breaking Barriers in Racing
This season, Jesse Iwuji will become the second full-time Black driver in the Xfinity Series. Iwuji, a lieutenant commander in the Navy Reserve, co-owns his team with Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith. Additionally, Natalie Decker is the only woman entered in the Xfinity opener, driving a partial schedule for Reaume Brothers Racing. Decker is also one of seven women announced in Busch Light’s Accelerate Her Program, a three-year, $10 million commitment aimed at providing more funding, track time, media exposure, and training to female drivers who are 21 or older.
As NASCAR continues to strive for inclusivity in the sport, it is exciting to see drivers like Ty Gibbs, Jesse Iwuji, and Natalie Decker breaking barriers and inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams in racing. The future of NASCAR is bright, and Ty Gibbs is definitely a driver to keep an eye on.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Ty Gibbs is a rising star in the world of racing, and his promotion to the top ride in the Xfinity Series is a testament to his talent and dedication. With a star-studded Cup team and a bright future ahead, there’s no doubt that Ty Gibbs is one to watch in the coming years. As the Xfinity Series opener takes place this Saturday at Daytona International Speedway, let’s sit back and enjoy the ride as Ty Gibbs continues to make his mark in the racing world.
