via Getty
BRISTOL, TN – APRIL 17: Denny Hamlin (#11 Joe Gibbs Racing FedEx Ground Toyota) looks on prior to the start of the NASCAR Cup Series Food City Dirt Race on April 17, 2022 at Bristol Motor Speedway Dirt Track in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
via Getty
BRISTOL, TN – APRIL 17: Denny Hamlin (#11 Joe Gibbs Racing FedEx Ground Toyota) looks on prior to the start of the NASCAR Cup Series Food City Dirt Race on April 17, 2022 at Bristol Motor Speedway Dirt Track in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
In November last year, tragedy struck the Gibbs family. As it happened, Joe Gibbs‘ son Coy Gibbs had passed away, barely 24 hours after Coy’s son Ty Gibbs won his race. Now, the youngest Gibbs had built himself a bit of a bad reputation over the 2022 season. Owing to this, many were highly critical of the 20-year-old and often had less than pleasant things to say on social media.
However, NASCAR fans cut him some slack in the wake of the tragedy. Now Denny Hamlin and the JGR family are backing him in full force in front of critics.
Ahead of the new season, Joe Gibbs put a statement out thanking everyone for their support during the tough period. However, the statement did insist that the family has yet to move on from Coy’s passing. To that end, the subject is still a sore point and they wanted the media to grant them their privacy. This sentiment was echoed by Hamlin and many other fans who were not happy about the lack of respect.
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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
Denny Hamlin and many fans had a stern warning for the media
The general consensus was that nobody wanted the media to pester Ty Gibbs about his personal loss. On that note, they hoped that his Cup Series debut could help him move on and act as a good distraction. Also, he could try and deliver excellent performances in honor of his father’s memory. Meanwhile, Hamlin firmly stated that the media should not field any more questions about the late Coy Gibbs.
Privacy is best for Ty. The pressure of being a cup rookie on top of that will hopefully be a good distraction.
I lost my dad suddenly when I was 18. When you’re around that age, It takes a solid decade to actually put it behind you. He needs to be shown some respect with this.
— Tyler Stooksbury (@TylerStooksbury) February 2, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and prayers
— Betty Lozon (@betts1948) February 3, 2023
The journalist, all of them, need to lay off Ty. I am certainly not a fan of his but, let the young man grieve in peace.
— M Käthe 🇺🇸 (@MonikaKathe12) February 2, 2023
Some fans acknowledged that they were not big Ty Gibbs fans, but they also knew the importance of leaving him to grieve. Some even noted that the 20-year-old has had to struggle most of his career, even with his family legacy backing him. Few people felt some sympathy for Ty Gibbs, as he is in a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” situation.
He has been VERY successful in most areas of his life. But he's also had a harder life than most.
— Dylan Streibig (@DoubletoughDyl) February 2, 2023
I hope the family keeps protecting and supporting each other. I can vouch for being asked horrible questions just to be nosy after my significant other passed away in October. It's re-traumatizing and no matter the reason, the person is gone and not coming back. Leave it be.
— Erin 🌻 & Esme 🐷 (@erin2485) February 3, 2023
What a heartbreak really is.
I pray this family heals.— Scott Jay (@scottjay) February 3, 2023
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Ty’s in a now win situation. If he races hard he’ll be trashed by media and fans. If he doesn’t do well media will say the loss of his dad is affecting his performance. Leave the kid alone, you too Bob!
— Chris Grella (@HokieChris1) February 3, 2023
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In a sense, if he races hard and gets his elbows out, it is practically an invitation to criticism. On the other end of the spectrum, if he underperforms, people may think that the personal tragedy is adversely affecting him. All in all, they just want Ty Gibbs to be left alone to do his own thing.
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