Ty Gibbs faces intense backlash as the 2025 racing season continues to challenge his performance at Joe Gibbs Racing. With multiple finishes outside the top 20 and a prolonged winless streak, his struggles have raised questions about his future with the team. While his grandfather, Joe Gibbs, defends him, the growing discontent among fans and potential alternatives, like Corey Heim, could force Joe Gibbs Racing to make tough decisions. Will a driver change be on the horizon?
Key Highlights
- Fans express growing dissatisfaction with Ty Gibbs’ underwhelming 2025 performance at Joe Gibbs Racing.
- Joe Gibbs defends Ty, urging patience and resilience despite criticism and calls for change.
- Comparisons to other young drivers who faced demotion intensify demands for Gibbs’ reassignment.
- Corey Heim’s strong performance at 23XI Racing fuels speculation about replacing Ty Gibbs.
- Crew chief changes and performance struggles contribute to uncertainty about Gibbs’ future at JGR.
Ty Gibbs’ Struggles Continue in 2025
The 2025 racing season has been challenging for Ty Gibbs, as he grapples with maintaining the momentum that once marked him as a rising star. Since clinching the Xfinity Series championship in 2022, Gibbs has faced mounting scrutiny, particularly as expectations shifted dramatically during his 2024 season.
Initially, the lack of strain during his rookie year allowed him room to develop; however, the subsequent season revealed cracks in his performance, particularly from the Charlotte Roval to Phoenix, despite managing to secure a playoff spot.
In 2025, Gibbs’ struggles have persisted, with his best finish being a P13 at Martinsville, and most results falling outside the top 20. This performance has contributed to the longest winless streak for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Cup Series, now extending to 94 races.
This prolonged drought has intensified criticism, raising concerns about his ability to reclaim his earlier promise and deliver the expected results.
Joe Gibbs Defends His Grandson Amid Criticism
Despite Ty Gibbs’ persistent struggles in the 2025 racing season, his grandfather, Joe Gibbs, has stepped forward to defend him against growing criticism. Acknowledging the challenging circumstances, Coach Gibbs stated, “We’re going through a tough time,” highlighting the team’s commitment to supporting Ty through this turbulent period.
Joe Gibbs Racing, a stalwart in the racing community, remains steadfast in their resolve to assist Ty in overcoming the current slump, stressing the importance of resilience and perseverance.
“I appreciate for Heather, for myself. This is really tough. So it’s a big deal for us. But we’re going to fight. Ty’s dad, Coy, his statement was always, anytime we got in a tough spot about his kids, he goes, I raised my kids tough. That’s what he said. Hopefully, we’re going to fight our way out of this.” – Joe Gibbs
Joe Gibbs, when asked by @dustinlong about his grandson’s Ty season, says they will keep fighting through the tough times. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/w5gQcW41vc
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 31, 2025
- Commitment to Development: Joe Gibbs Racing is dedicated to nurturing Ty’s potential, fostering an environment conducive to growth and improvement.
- Family Legacy: Coy Gibbs instilled a sense of toughness in his children, a value that underpins Ty’s approach to adversity.
- Team Support: Despite public stress, Joe Gibbs stands firm in his support, advocating for patience and trust in Ty’s capabilities to eventually succeed.
Many fans, however, remain unconvinced, questioning the decision to maintain his position.
NASCAR Fans Call for a Driver Change at JGR
Amid mounting dissatisfaction among fans, calls for a driver change at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) have intensified, driven by Ty Gibbs’ continued underperformance. Critics are increasingly vocal, questioning why Gibbs continues to occupy a coveted seat despite lackluster results.
The frustration is further fueled by the fact that other young drivers were previously dismissed from similar positions for comparable declines in performance, leading some to view Gibbs’ retention as inconsistent with past team practices.
Suggestions for change are varied and plentiful. Some advocate for the return of Kyle Busch, whose current struggles at Richard Childress Racing (RCR) might make a reunion feasible.
“Fire him and go save Kyle Busch from his misery…” – nascar fan reaction
Others propose a tactical maneuver to send Gibbs back to the Xfinity Series, allowing him to hone his skills further, with an eye on returning him to the top tier when seasoned driver Denny Hamlin decides to retire.
“Honestly seems like it would work out for everybody if this happened. Send Gibbs back to xfinity for a couple years and sign Kyle and when Kyle or Denny inevitably retires or leaves you can bring Gibbs back up if you wanted. But this, of course, has all been easy to say and I know things are always more complicated than that.” – nascar fan reaction
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Corey Heim’s Rising Stock and JGR’s Potential Options
With Corey Heim’s impressive rise within the racing world, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) faces considerable stress to evaluate its options regarding their current driver lineup. Heim’s potential for a Cup ride has made him a highly sought-after prospect, particularly given his current association with 23XI Racing.
“What was he going to say? If Ty doesn’t get a top 10 at Darlington, we’re gonna fire his a–?”
“If it were anyone else, they would be in danger of Heim taking over their ride midseason.” – nascar fans reaction
His performance has been consistently strong, leading many to speculate about his place in JGR’s future plans. The current situation is further complicated by Ty Gibbs‘ tenure in the No. 54 car, where some fans and analysts argue that nepotism rather than performance has shielded him from repercussions faced by other struggling drivers like Nemechek and Burton, who were demoted.
- Many believe Corey Heim would replace Ty Gibbs if not for family ties within JGR.
- Heim’s performance with 23XI Racing enhances his eligibility for a JGR spot.
- Nepotism concerns arise as Gibbs maintains his position despite subpar results.
The Crew Chief Factor and What Comes Next for Ty Gibbs
Ty Gibbs’ performance in the No. 54 car has been under scrutiny as Corey Heim’s achievements continue to attract attention, but another vital variable in Gibbs’ situation is the impact of the crew chief change.
Chris Gayle, previously Gibbs’ crew chief, has shifted to Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 team. This move has already shown positive results, evidenced by Hamlin’s victory at Martinsville, highlighting Gayle’s notable influence on performance. The alteration has left Gibbs maneuvering the challenges of adjusting to a new crew chief, which has certainly affected his results on the track.
While it remains premature to definitively determine Gibbs’ future at Joe Gibbs Racing, the strain is indisputably escalating.
If performance improvements do not materialize, the calls for his replacement may intensify. Analyzing the current dynamics, it becomes evident that adapting to these changes is essential for Gibbs to maintain his position and quell the mounting backlash from fans.
News in Brief: Ty Gibbs Faces Intense Backlash as Fans Demand His Exit
In view of Ty Gibbs’ ongoing challenges in the 2025 racing season, the stress mounts for Joe Gibbs Racing to evaluate a tactical driver change. While Joe Gibbs staunchly supports his grandson, the call from fans for a fresh direction grows louder. As Corey Heim’s performance continues to impress, the team faces critical decisions about their lineup. The role of the crew chief also comes under scrutiny, highlighting the complex dynamics JGR must navigate to guarantee future success.
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