In a whirlwind debut season last year, Ty Gibbs stormed into NASCAR’s spotlight as the Rookie of the Year. Despite his P18 finish last year, his #54 pit crew demonstrated remarkable speed, achieving the fastest pit stop in NASCAR history.

However, in the third race of the season, the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Speedway, Ty Gibbs faced adversity. Though he finished P5, had it not been for a broken transmission, the driver and the car had better potential. Reflecting on the setback, Gibbs acknowledged his role but remained resilient.

A Top-Five Finish for Ty Gibbs Despite Broken Transmission

Ty Gibbs faced several challenges during the Pennzoil 400 weekend, demonstrating his tenacity and driving ability. His race was hindered by early contact with eventual winner Kyle Larson on pit road, followed by a notably lagging pit stop that hampered his progress.

However, the most significant setback came when Gibbs broke his transmission after being stuck in a hole. He mentioned his spotter over the radio, exclaiming, “I do not have a First Gear. this Pile of Shit, Transmission is broken for the First Gear.” 

In a post-race interview, Ty Gibbs reflected on the challenging race, acknowledging the transmission issue and taking responsibility for his role in it. He recounted his spotter’s radio communication, vividly describing the transmission problem. Given the losses, Gibbs remained positive, emphasizing the need for development and thanking his team members for their efforts. 

Race Analysis: His Gritty Pennzoil Performance 

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Ty Gibbs displayed his mettle in the highly anticipated Pennzoil 400 by starting in eighth place. Throughout the first stage, he demonstrated incredible consistency, retaining his ground and preserving his place despite the heavy competition on the track. As the stage came to a close, Gibbs crossed the finish line in sixth place, gaining a valuable 5 points to improve his status.

The race’s severity heightened during the last 27-lap push to the finish, with Gibbs battling for fifth place with SHR driver Noah Gragson. The two switched positions several times, demonstrating remarkable skill and determination. However, with less than ten laps remaining, Gibbs grabbed control of the position, passing Gragson and crossing the finish line in an admirable fifth place.

“I’m really happy with the new car,” said Gibbs. “Really excited about what our car is capable of. I feel really happy about what we have.”

This achievement marked Gibbs’ first top-five finish of the season, a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. Moreover, it was his inaugural top-five finish while driving the updated Camry XSE, underscoring the promising performance of both driver and vehicle.

Following this standout performance, Ty Gibbs ascended in the points standings, advancing from 14th to 9th position, positioning himself as a formidable contender in the series. Additionally, he established a comfortable margin above the playoff cutline, currently held by fellow Toyota Racing driver John Hunter Nemechek, further solidifying his position as a frontrunner in the championship race.

Read More: Kevin Harvick Drops Bold Prediction for Joe Gibbs’ Vocal Grandson as He Unfurls Career-Saving Advice

Ty Gibbs demonstrated resilience at the Pennzoil 400, finishing in the top 5. Looking ahead, Gibbs prepares to compete in the Shriner’s Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway, aiming to build on his recent success. With his best finish, Gibbs is ready to capitalize on his ability in the upcoming race on Sunday, March 10 at 3:30 p.m. ET.