The legacy of Joe Gibbs looms large in NASCAR, especially as his grandson Ty Gibbs faces ongoing NASCAR struggles and a prolonged winless streak. As Ty’s Cup Series career reaches a new low point, public sentiment among NASCAR fans is showing a remarkable transition—from harsh criticism to empathy and understanding for the young driver’s difficulties on the track.
The Weight of Expectations and a Promising Start
Ty Gibbs’ entry into NASCAR was met with anticipation, as many saw him as the heir to the Joe Gibbs Racing powerhouse. At just 19 years old, Ty dominated the 2021 ARCA Menards Series with ten wins in twenty races, quickly following up with seven victories and an Xfinity Series championship in 2022. This rapid success positioned him as a future star and intensified the spotlight, especially being the grandson of Joe Gibbs, a figure synonymous with motorsport excellence.
However, the shift to NASCAR’s Cup Series proved challenging. In his rookie year, Ty secured the Rookie of the Year honors in 2023 and managed a playoff spot in 2024. Yet, a Cup Series win continues to elude him. This lack of victories led to major changes within Joe Gibbs Racing: Chris Gayle moved to oversee Denny Hamlin’s #11 team, while Tyler Allen took over Ty’s #54 team. Despite these changes, Ty struggled, ultimately setting an unwanted record for most starts without a win by a JGR driver, surpassing J. J. Yeley’s previous mark of 79 races.
Mounting Pressure and Public Scrutiny
The prolonged slump became most evident during a difficult patch from Atlanta to Homestead, where Ty consistently finished 22nd or worse. Frustrated fans responded fiercely, calling him a “generational bust” and suggesting his only reason for holding a Cup seat was his family ties to Joe Gibbs. Occasional bright spots, such as his top-five and top-ten finishes between Martinsville and Talladega, have been overshadowed by a recent four-race run in which he placed 23rd or lower—rekindling debates over his readiness for the Cup’s demands.
Despite the difficult performances, the Cup Series remains the most competitive tier in stock car racing, and Ty is facing rivals like Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, and Kyle Larson—drivers with years of experience. These internal and external comparisons amplify the scrutiny, particularly given the high expectations stemming from the Joe Gibbs legacy and Ty Gibbs’ prior dominance in lower series.
Fans’ Perspectives Evolve: From Criticism to Empathy
Recently, a notable change has surfaced on fan forums and social media. A Reddit post titled
“What is going on with Ty Gibbs?”
captured a cross-section of shifting fan perspectives. Some users maintained their critical stance, but more voices began to emphasize the unique pressures Ty faces, including adapting to a tougher competition level and dealing with personal loss.
“I think he is the best indicator of how big the gap in talent between Cup and Xfinity is. The Cup Series is extremely competitive. You have to be almost a perfect driver to be competitive, even in a good car.”
—Reddit fan
This insight underscores how the leap from Xfinity to Cup demands not only raw talent, but also sharp development in racing intelligence and emotional stability. Kyle Larson, a leading driver in 2025 with multiple victories to his name, has echoed similar thoughts, stating that Ty’s youth and limited experience naturally put him on a steeper learning curve against drivers who have been in the sport for decades.
Another fan expressed a deeper empathy regarding Ty’s circumstances:
“I think the combination of no significant truck experience (which some have said races more like the NextGen car than Xfinity does), losing his dad when making the biggest jump in competition level in his life, joining a slumping team that lost their winning way before he got there with Kyle Busch, and just generally being young have a lot to do with it.”
—Reddit fan
Ty’s transition was made harder by personal tragedy—losing his father, Coy Gibbs, immediately after clinching the 2022 Xfinity title. This loss deprived Ty of a vital support figure within Joe Gibbs Racing, intensifying both his emotional and professional challenges just as he took on the toughest competition of his career.
Reflecting on the Slump and Looking Ahead
Gibbs’ trajectory in the Cup Series has seen sharp swings. The tail end of his 2024 season was marked by a significant downturn, with a string of finishes outside the top 30, a trend that has since persisted. Yet some fans point out that time is on Ty’s side, referencing other drivers who have needed years before reaching victory lane:
“He had a huge drop off during the last 10 or so races last season and it just never stopped. It makes zero sense. Good news for him is he’s only 22 and his grandpa owns the team. Plenty of time to figure it out.”
—Reddit fan
The dynamic within Joe Gibbs Racing adds further complexity. With high-caliber teammates like Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell, Ty can both learn from some of NASCAR’s best and feel the pressure of matching their success. His early career also benefited from top equipment—an advantage now neutralized by the parity and competitiveness of the Cup Series “NextGen” cars.
Fans also reference the mental health aspect and lingering grief Ty has endured:
“He simply has just had the best car in the field by far in every division he’s been in. Its been a wake up call here. That and losing his dad probably has f—– with him more than we know.”
—Reddit fan
Such sentiments highlight a growing recognition that beyond technical skill or team resources, the emotional realities facing young drivers can dictate performance in ways statistics do not capture.
Legacy, Learning, and the Road Forward
For Ty Gibbs, the challenge continues—balancing the immense legacy of the Joe Gibbs name, his team’s expectations, and the relentless demands of Cup-level racing. As the longest-tenured winless Joe Gibbs Racing driver after over 90 starts, Ty is now the focus of both curiosity and compassion in NASCAR circles. The comparison to Chase Elliott, who took three seasons to secure his first Cup win, suggests that breakthrough success could still be on the horizon for Ty.
Within the Joe Gibbs Racing organization, leadership remains in his favor, with Joe Gibbs himself supporting his grandson‘s career. This stability removes the immediate worry over contracts, granting Ty the time necessary to develop both on and off the track.
The evolution of the fan response, as seen on platforms like Reddit, signals a wider understanding of the multifaceted journey faced by next-generation drivers. The harsh labels of “bust” may be giving way to a more nuanced and empathetic view, recognizing both personal adversity and the steep learning curve involved in motorsport at its highest level. As NASCAR continues to evolve, Ty Gibbs’ growth and the persistence he shows under the weight of expectation further deepen the story of the Joe Gibbs legacy and Ty Gibbs NASCAR struggles—a narrative watched closely by fans and competitors alike.
