
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 20, 2021; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Ty Gibbs (54) takes the checkered flag to win the Super Start Batteries 188 at the Daytona International Speedway Road Course. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Feb 20, 2021; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Ty Gibbs (54) takes the checkered flag to win the Super Start Batteries 188 at the Daytona International Speedway Road Course. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
A couple of weeks ago, Ty Gibbs became one of the most hated drivers in NASCAR. This was because he ruined his reputation by picking an unnecessary brawl with Sam Mayer. This was enough to shatter the image that he had built up last year. That of a young talented rookie ready to take the Xfinity Series by storm. Unfortunately, he did take the series by storm, but for the wrong reasons.
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At the Talladega Superspeedway, Jeffrey Earnhardt had just scored provisional pole. Soon, only Ty Gibbs was standing in between himself and pole. However, Gibbs faltered and an ecstatic Earnhardt lined up for pole position. Speaking afterwards, he talked about the crowd’s reaction. Earnhardt said, “I was climbing out of the car and everyone just started cheering. I was like, ‘I guess we beat Ty’. Really just an incredible moment and incredible support from the guys at SHR.”
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How did Jeffrey Earnhardt and Ty Gibbs perform in the race?
In terms of driver performance, both racers had contrasting fortunes. Earnhardt went on to finish the race in a career-best 2nd place behind race winner Noah Gragson. Meanwhile, Ty Gibbs crashed out early in the race and his day was over, to the fans’ delight. Obviously, no fan had forgiven the Joe Gibbs Racing driver for his stunts at Martinsville.

USA Today via Reuters
Feb 20, 2021; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Ty Gibbs (54) leads Harrison Burton (20) during the Super Start Batteries 188 at the Daytona International Speedway Road Course. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Without a doubt, Ty Gibbs would have to do something extraordinary to curry the favor of the fans once again. If he can somehow keep his nose clean, maybe the fans may forget about his transgressions. Until then, he just has to lay low and probably not lose his temper in a public setting.
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Admittedly, the incident with Mayer was sort of neither of their faults. However, Gibbs got the impression that Mayer was to blame and took out his frustration on him.
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