It was a night where experience triumphed over youth, as veteran Denny Hamlin secured his 51st career win at the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Yet, Ty Gibbs, the 21-year-old non-playoff driver, grabbed a slice of the limelight by finishing 5th. He proved that sometimes it’s not about the destination but the journey. But Joe Gibbs Racing owner says young Ty has still got a lot to prove.

While fans and experts may have been divided, Joe Gibbs, a legend in his own right and Ty’s proud grandpa, had clear views. In the post-race conference, the elder Gibbs beamed with pride but reminded everyone what is important in this sport. While Ty had talent in spades, Grandpa Joe believed in the value of hard work and experience. It seems like young Gibbs might have to work harder to win the familial gold star.

Grandpa Joe’s Tough Love Despite Xfinity win

The third stage of the race saw a duel that felt almost like the passing of the torch. Gibbs and Denny Hamlin ran side-by-side for the lead, jostling for pole position in a scuffle that would make any NASCAR fan’s heart race. Eventually, Gibbs edged out Hamlin in a brilliant move on the outside lane, turning heads and raising more than a few eyebrows. While he didn’t win the race, could this be a sign of what’s coming? Is the young gun proving his mettle against the experienced stalwart?

After the race, Joe Gibbs was all praise for his grandson but emphasized that he “has to earn his way”. The legendary team owner stated, “Yeah, just really, really proud of Ty. I think he was in the middle of a race there, really felt good, really fast. We just appreciate the fact that he understands this. You got to earn your way. He’s got to keep fighting and we’ll just see because there’s no way to talk your way or buy your way.” 

He added, “You got to race your way. We’re proud of what he’s done so far. I wanted to say just proud of our teams. Chris and Denny, I mean, that car has been really, really as good as any three races we’ve had.”

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That is quite a statement, considering Ty jumped right into a top-tier team after his Xfinity series victory. It appears that despite the glowing potential and rising stardom, Ty still needs to “race his way” into Grandpa Joe’s Hall of Fame.

Is this tough love from a veteran racer to his aspiring grandson? Or is Joe Gibbs trying to keep the young talent’s feet firmly planted on the ground?

Is Joe Gibbs’ grandson a gamble or a guaranteed win in DFS?

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While his performance at Bristol is certainly a point in his favor, Ty’s track record, particularly on short tracks this season, leaves much to be desired. Averaging only 28.43 DraftKings points, the young racer doesn’t quite offer the value you’d expect for his $7,900 salary. 

Last season saw a DNF at Bristol, leaving him at a 10-point deficit in place differential. But as any seasoned NASCAR follower knows, fortune can change faster than a pit stop. So, is Ty Gibbs a poor bet in DFS, or is he a diamond in the rough? We don’t know yet!

READ MORE: HMS Veteran Snubs Joe Gibbs Grandson Claiming “He Doesn’t Know” How to Win at Kansas

So, yes, Denny Hamlin won the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Still, the storylines bubbling beneath the surface point towards a future brimming with promise. It is also a future riddled with intriguing questions. Ty Gibbs may not have clinched the victory, but he certainly won the night as a standout driver.