The Joe Gibbs Racing fraternity has been through a tough time in the last couple of months. While it has obviously copped the departure of one of its longest-running drivers, Kyle Busch, it has also faced much graver losses, especially for Ty Gibbs.
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The 2022 season meant that JGR’s two main drivers, Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin would be running in their 15th and 18th seasons for the team, respectively. On the other hand, the next generation of the Gibbs family, Ty Gibbs, had been earmarked to run in the Xfinity Series only.
But things went haywire quite early on. It started with issues in Busch’s contract renewal. Mars & Wrigley’s inability to sponsor him beyond the 2023 season is touted to be the biggest reason. In the end, the JGR legend left the team for Richard Childress Racing.
Ty Gibbs kept his end of the bargain up, winning the Xfinity Series in great fashion. But the joy of his victory was short-lived, as he lost his father the same night. Coy Gibbs passed away unexpectedly, while Ty was still at the hotel in Phoenix after winning his first championship.
Ty Gibbs politely said he wasn’t going to talk about his father during his required media session today. He said he is doing good and he didn’t consider skipping the NASCAR awards. pic.twitter.com/AKQhk6inLQ
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) December 1, 2022
As he arrived for the Awards ceremony, the young driver was predictably asked a few uncomfortable questions. But he handled them masterfully. “For right now, I’m not gonna touch on any subject at all. So I’m just gonna stick with all the racing questions and I will go from there,” said the 20-year-old.
“You get a lot of stuff this week for all this media stuff, it’s been that kind of experience… [Was there a part of you that thought, maybe, just don’t come this week, just not you know…] I mean, no, I’m definitely coming here to collect my Champion’s awards and I’m thankful for that.”
What a sad way for the 20-year-old to end the biggest night of his career yet.
Fans were disgusted by the questions thrown at Ty Gibbs
Situations like these are great opportunities for those hungry for news, but on the other hand, they are painful for the one answering.
The 20-year-old being put through questions like these irked a lot of fans –
I have been on paper one of Ty’s harshest critics… I’m glad he’s doing well and hope he continues to do so and I’m glad he didn’t not attend. He earned that title and I hope to see him to be successful https://t.co/mUKGCZnMEG
— Garrett Cook #FTTB (@Dic_Banjo9) December 2, 2022
So heartbreaking. He shouldn’t have even had to say that, it should be common sense. Show some empathy ❤️
— 𝒥𝑒𝓈𝓈.𝐵𝒶𝓇𝓀𝓈 ♕ (@J_Exclusiveee) December 2, 2022
This is absolutely pathetic. If I was Ty I wouldn’t gotten up https://t.co/XC7Kz0wVwy
— NASCARDegen (@nascardegen) December 2, 2022
NASCAR Media this year has been nothing but a JOKE. I really don’t get why you ask about something personal after all the shit he’s been through the past few weeks. Jackasses need to learn how to ask better questions than that. I am beyond words. What a damn shame https://t.co/k9YpTStwOG
— Ben Siwula (@SiwulaBen) December 2, 2022
You can see it in his eyes. It’s gonna take some time. Quite a bit of time actually. https://t.co/xli1Af1BiU
— Zax (@ZaxCal) December 1, 2022
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Why even press him on if? Come on media, I’m sure when he’s ready to talk he will let you know, you don’t need to press him and the. Post about him not wanting to talk about it just for some attention…. Get real
— THE OFFICIAL BUDMAN (@BudmanOfficial) December 1, 2022
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Hopefully, the young Ty will be given his time and space to recover from that loss. Everyone hopes to see him back next year.
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