The past few days have been very difficult for Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota. Firstly, Kyle Busch is leaving them at the end of the season and joining Richard Childress Racing. With this, the team loses access to the Kyle Busch Motorsports team, leaving the drivers looking for a team next year. Unfortunately, things have gotten a little worse, with Brandon Jones leaving the Xfinity team and joining JR Motorsports next season.
it really was a jarring moment https://t.co/ZYHopBZE3p pic.twitter.com/kR9hqeIuwp
— AB20 (@CORTdriver20) September 14, 2022
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Strangely enough, there is some odd conspiracy that Joe Gibbs Racing’s future hinges around Ty Gibbs. Apparently, one fan recalled the Martinsville Xfinity race, which Jones won. Although the #19 team was pretty ecstatic, team owner Joe Gibbs was rather poker-faced. In the same race, Ty Gibbs finished in 8th place after starting on pole.
READ MORE: Toyota’s “Loyalty” Questioned After Kyle Busch’s Exit Exposes Bitter NASCAR List to the World
Was Joe Gibbs wrong to be conflicted in his emotions?
From a familial perspective, it is completely understandable, as Ty is his grandson. However, the other side of the argument is that Brandon Jones is still part of the Joe Gibbs Racing organization. So a win from him is a win for the team, so he should have been happy for the 25-year-old.
via Getty
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 15: Brandon Jones, driver of the #19 Interstate Batteries Toyota, stands on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Xfinity Series NASCAR Racing Experience 300 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
It really sucks that JGR is completely mismanaging some of the best talent NASCAR has to offer https://t.co/G8TIMd751L
— Style Jittenhouse (@WillBrisk) September 14, 2022
This is why I'm hype that Jones is going to JRM. Dude is. Great driver being held back by JGR because he isn't the beloved grandchild.
I'm glad he won Martinsville, he fucking deserved it. https://t.co/1KYrDD1RWz
— Director: Bristol Heidemann (@Bristolwasalive) September 14, 2022
Hard to blame him for taking his money elsewhere when the opportunity arose https://t.co/AJW6xzRNaE
— luke (@lukepski9) September 14, 2022
@MidnightRoasted to elaborate on what I was talking about this morning…Joe's ironically becoming Childress 2.0 acting like that https://t.co/KkbF0bLCjJ
— Jake Heller (@JRake_88) September 14, 2022
Many people were upset at the supposed mismanagement of the younger drivers. Others can’t help but feel relieved that Jones is jumping ship to JR Motorsports, as they think JGR is ‘holding him back’. In essence, the driver saw an opportunity arise and was not hesitant to take the chance.
I am once again telling Christopher Bell to please work on your exit strategy now before it’s too late https://t.co/Lg4FJ75P4K
— Dustin Tanner (@DustinTannerVT) September 14, 2022
Like the gif does it so much better. Everyone on the 19 team is excited and celebrating, and ol pops is all disappointed.
— Junk Knuckles (@lawnmowerpranks) September 14, 2022
To me it’s very concerning the Brandon Jones is leaving JGR(actually I think it should be more alarming then KB leaving) why? Brandon Jones should have been in line for the 19 when MTJ retires. But he doesn’t think that’s worth it. Instead he went JRM with no direct path to cup
— Charles Ritchey (@ritchey_charles) September 14, 2022
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It's not JGR anymore, it's the Ty Gibbs travelling circus. I don't dislike Ty, but it's obvious that Joe Gibbs doesn't care about anybody who currently drives for the team and any future TRD prospects that aren't named Ty Gibbs. https://t.co/YYhmx2dQyZ
— Brett (@22fan4ever) September 15, 2022
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Some people were even worried that such management could end up affecting Christopher Bell’s career. Few even suggested that Jones’ departure was much bigger than Kyle Busch’s own exit from Joe Gibbs Racing. According to them, he could have been the prime successor to Martin Truex Jr when he eventually hangs up his boots. All in all, many have reason to believe that everyone is catering to Ty Gibbs’ whims.
WATCH STORY: Team Owner Joe Gibbs Vowes to Confront NASCAR Over Kyle Busch Sanctions in Richmond
