Joe Gibbs Racing Revamp: Joe Gibbs Racing, despite its esteemed reputation, faced disappointment in the Cup and Xfinity Series championships. Fate and mechanical glitches marred the efforts of all three Cup drivers, while the #20 driver in the Xfinity Series, despite an impressive win count, faltered in the crucial moments.
To revive their fortunes, Joe Gibbs Racing is undertaking a significant overhaul. With plans to introduce a fourth car and major team changes, they’re determined not to squander their chances. Among the latest updates is a revamped driver lineup and setup. Three rookie crew chiefs are joining seasoned leader Jeff Meendering, tasked with guiding the JGR Xfinity Series squad.
In a surprise move, “The Coach” stunned the racing world by bringing in Cup Series veteran Aric Almirola for a part-time role in the #20 car alongside John Hunter Nemechek. The unexpected move saw Gibbs snagging a veteran from SHR, returning Almirola to where his NASCAR journey began.
Another anticipated shift is the addition of a fourth Xfinity car, featuring rising talents such as Ryan Truex, William Sawalich, Joe Graf Jr, and Taylor Gray. The team has also appointed three new crew chiefs for the #19, #18, and #20 Xfinity teams under the experienced guidance of Jeff Meendering, who will work alongside Sammy Smith.
Joe Gibbs Racing released a comprehensive post detailing the specifics and responsibilities of each crew chief, including their previous roles and achievements. The three newcomersSeth Chavka on the #19 team, Sam McAulay paired with Sheldon Creed on the #18, and Tyler Allen joining Almirola and Nemechek on the #20 teamhave their roles clarified.
Critics might question pairing six drivers across two teams, especially with two newcomers like Sawalich and Gray alongside rookie crew chiefs. However, Gibbs’ strategic move to bring in a seasoned campaigner like Aric Almirola promises a game-changing impact. The young talents are set to glean wisdom from the 39-year-old veteran.
Moreover, while the introduction of “first-time” crew chiefs might raise eyebrows, Chavka, McAulay, and Allen bring solid experience from top-tier teams like RCR. Chavka served as race engineer for Busch, Ty Gibbs, and Erik Jones before his stint at RCR, securing wins for drivers like Austin Dillon and Elliott Sadler in the Xfinity Series.
McAulay, having worked as race engineer for Denny Hamlin in the #11 team, contributed to the team’s three Daytona 500 victories among their 25 wins. Tyler Allen, an experienced race engineer under crew chief Adam Stevens working with Kyle Busch, played a pivotal role in securing Busch’s last Cup Series title in 2019 before his tenure with the #20 team.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Who will be driving for Joe Gibbs Racing in 2023?
Get ready for an exciting 2023 season with Joe Gibbs Racing! As a proud Toyota manufacturer, we’ll be powered by Toyota Racing Development engines. Our driver-crew chief pairings are top-notch, with Denny Hamlin and Chris Gabehart leading the No. 11 team, Martin Truex Jr. and James Small on the No. 19 team, Christopher Bell and Adam Stevens on the No. 20 team, and Ty Gibbs and Chris Gayle on the No. 54 team. We’re confident in our team’s abilities and can’t wait to hit the track. Stay tuned for more updates!
Who takes over Joe Gibbs Racing?
JGR made a strategic move in 2023 by selling minority stakes to Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) and Arctos Partners. This decision was aimed at enhancing the company’s growth and expanding its reach in the market. The move was a calculated one, and it is expected to yield positive results for JGR in the long run.
Who is the new CEO of Joe Gibbs Racing?
Meet Dave Alpern, the President of Joe Gibbs Racing. With years of experience in the industry, Dave has been instrumental in leading the team to success. His leadership skills and strategic vision have helped the team achieve numerous victories on the track. As the President of Joe Gibbs Racing, Dave is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the team’s operations, from managing the budget to developing new partnerships. With his expertise and dedication, Dave has helped establish Joe Gibbs Racing as one of the top teams in the sport.
Who is replacing Kyle Busch at Joe Gibbs Racing?
Ty Gibbs, the recently crowned NASCAR Xfinity Series champion, is set to join Joe Gibbs Racing’s NASCAR Cup Series full-time next season. He will be replacing Kyle Busch in the four-car lineup, which includes Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr., and Christopher Bell. This exciting news has been confirmed by Joe Gibbs Racing, and fans are eagerly anticipating Gibbs’ debut in the Cup Series. With his impressive track record and undeniable talent, Gibbs is sure to make a name for himself in the world of NASCAR.
