Kyle Busch and Joe Gibbs Racing parted ways last year. With the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion departing, Tyler Gibbs, aka Ty Gibbs, was chosen to replace him. Having won the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series, Ty has surely made a name for himself. However, filling in for Kyle Busch is going to take much more than that.
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Busch was associated with Joe Gibbs Racing for 15 years, creating wonderful memories with the JGR fanatics. While there will be immense pressure on Ty Gibbs to step up, he will certainly have an experienced figure like Denny Hamlin to help him out. The three-time Daytona 500 winner recently came out in support of the youngster.
Denny Hamlin calls on to be patient with young drivers
There are certainly high expectations from young Gibbs to fill the void left by Kyle Busch. When Denny Hamlin was recently asked about his expectations from the youngster, he said, “You know just objectively looking, I would say he’s got a little bit of work to do on the Super Speedway. It’s just watching some Xfinity races, we can certainly help with that. I think the short tracks, our cars you know should be quite a bit better than what they were last year hopefully, you know crossing our fingers.”
READ MORE – Ty Gibbs expresses his gratitude to Denny Hamlin
“And he’s got some great short-track racers. Martin Truex Jr. obviously winning the Clash and he’s been one of the best short-track racers in my opinion over the last few years. So, I think that my expectation for him is to probably contend for a playoff spot. I think it will be tough if he doesn’t win to get in but it’s just so hard.”
Denny Hamlin was quick to use Chase Elliott’s example to justify his case. The Hendrick Motorsports driver took his time to settle in the NASCAR Cup Series and now looks like one of the strongest contenders for the title.
Hamlin went on to add, “He’s [Ty Gibbs] so young, we have to really be patient with some of these young guys. Some of the best ones, Chase Elliott, and these guys didn’t hit their strides till three-four years in and 25 years old. You know he’s [Ty Gibbs]20 right? So let’s just all be patient and not compare him to who is who’s stepping in for.”
Not the first time Hamlin has come out in support of Ty Gibbs
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Denny Hamlin has been in the sport for a long time now. He’s well aware of the dynamics and politics involved in NASCAR. The 42-year-old was quick to come out in support of Ty Gibbs when he lost his father, Coy Gibbs last year.
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For some of the media who don’t catch this drift, It means don’t ask the kid anymore questions about it. pic.twitter.com/0ycGmaNKYt
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) February 3, 2023
It is also necessary that Joe Gibbs Racing keep Hamlin around to nurture. The 42-year-old’s contract at JGR expires at the end of the 2023 season. Hopefully, they proactively act on it and avoid a similar situation to Kyle Busch’s.
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WATCH THIS STORY | NASCAR youngster Ty Gibbs reacts to the tragic demise of beloved coach
Having a protective and experienced figure like Hamlin will certainly help Ty in 2023. That being said, it will surely be immense if he manages to qualify for the playoffs. The question is, how long will the JGR faithful remain patient with Ty Gibbs? We’ll soon come to know.