Ty Gibbs, currently competing for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Cup Series, has disclosed plans for an ambitious Ty Gibbs expanded 2025 dirt racing schedule, targeting involvement in up to 40-50 additional races next year. This development follows his grandfather and team owner Joe Gibbs lifting previous restrictions on extracurricular dirt racing, offering drivers more liberty to compete beyond their primary NASCAR commitments.
Joe Gibbs removed these limitations in November 2024 after three out of four Cup Series drivers expressed interest in racing on dirt tracks. Christopher Bell, known for his impressive achievements on dirt, and Chase Briscoe, who owns a dirt racing team, join Gibbs as drivers seizing this new opportunity for more track time in diverse racing environments.
Ty Gibbs Motivated by Dirt Racing Success Stories
Motivated by the accomplishments of Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell in dirt events and their subsequent results in NASCAR, Ty Gibbs has decided to follow a similar path. At just 22 years old, Gibbs values additional seat time and believes that participating in various types of racing enhances his skills and competitiveness. He indicated that the 38-race Cup Series schedule leaves room for more competition and that balancing both series is manageable for him.
Gibbs shared his outlook in a statement provided to SpeedwayMedia.com:
“Honestly, the Cup schedule is not that bad. Everybody makes it seem like it’s intense, but I think it’s pretty manageable. I also race dirt stuff, so I probably have about 40-50 more races this year. I enjoy racing – all kinds of racing – and I think the more I do it, the sharper I am, so I should do as much as I can.”
This expansion of commitments mirrors the precedent set by drivers like Kyle Larson, whose active participation in multiple racing formats has garnered respect in the motorsports world, particularly among fans and fellow competitors.
Expanding Into a Packed Racing Calendar
Kyle Larson is widely recognized as having one of the most diverse and busy schedules among Cup Series drivers, often taking part in more than forty feature events outside of his NASCAR duties in a single season. Larson teamed up again with his longtime adversary Christopher Bell during the prestigious Chili Bowl Nationals earlier in the year, a competition that Ty Gibbs also attempted to qualify for. These high-profile dirt events remain focal points for NASCAR drivers seeking to broaden their experience.
So far, midway through the 2025 season, Ty Gibbs has already raced in six dirt events. His debut in the High Limit Racing series in Las Vegas—a series owned by Kyle Larson and Brad Sweet—signals a significant new chapter, as he joins leading names in the dirt racing arena to test his skills against seasoned opponents.
Kyle Larson’s Experience with Racing Ambitions and Setbacks
The inspiration behind Gibbs’ expanded plans is grounded in the example set by Kyle Larson, whose own schedule is both demanding and varied. Recently, Larson undertook his second attempt at the formidable Memorial Day Double, which entails racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. However, his bid ended prematurely with crashes in both events. Adverse weather at Indianapolis caused delays and would have curtailed his completion of the full 500 miles, even if his run had not been interrupted by a crash.
“The Double is just a tough undertaking. The window of time is too tight. Even if I didn’t wreck, I don’t think I would have made it here on time and probably would have had to end that race short anyways. So I don’t really think it’s worth it. But I would love to run the Indy 500 again. Just doing the Double I think is just logistically too tough,” Larson said via NBC Sports.
Larson endured disappointment that day, finishing 24th at Indianapolis and 37th in the Cup Series race, losing the points lead to teammate William Byron. Byron emerged as a dominant force at Charlotte, but was surpassed by Ross Chastain at the finish. Larson’s challenges highlight the intense logistical demands of racing at the elite level in multiple disciplines.
The Broader Impact of the New Dirt Racing Approach
This shift in approach by Joe Gibbs Racing, especially for Ty Gibbs, is expected to influence how drivers balance Cup Series commitments with extracurricular competition. The willingness to allow more dirt track racing could further diversify driver experience, encourage skill development, and contribute to future success in NASCAR. The 2025 dirt racing schedule for Ty Gibbs marks a notable change in team policy and may set a competitive standard embraced by other top drivers and teams in the series.
Looking ahead, fans can expect to see Ty Gibbs competing in numerous dirt racing events, following a path established by motorsport figures such as Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell. As drivers adapt to the increased demands and opportunities, the intersection of dirt and stock car racing may usher in fresh challenges and momentum for NASCAR’s next generation.
