Ty Gibbs was at the center of a heated dispute on pit road at Sonoma Raceway when an incident during a pit stop led to a fight between his crew and Brad Keselowski’s team. The Ty Gibbs pit road controversy Sonoma drew intense scrutiny, but NASCAR reviewed the situation and ultimately cleared Gibbs of wrongdoing.
Details Emerge from the Pit Road Incident
The altercation unfolded after Ty Gibbs entered his pit stall closely, resulting in slight contact with Brad Keselowski’s tire changer, who was already over the wall and handling two tires at the time. This tight maneuver sparked tensions between the pit crews, culminating in a physical confrontation on pit road.
NASCAR examined the incident and determined that the No. 54 car, driven by Gibbs, did not breach any pit road regulations. The organization acknowledged the tight entry but found no violation on Gibbs’ part.
Ty Gibbs Explains His Perspective
When questioned about the controversial pit stop after the race, Ty Gibbs stood by his actions and cited NASCAR’s rules to justify his move. With a hint of smugness, Gibbs believed he acted within his rights as the lead car entering his pit box.
“Yeah, you know, by NASCAR’s rules, I’m the lead car because I’m the pit box pass where the 6 is, and I’m in front of him as well,”
—Ty Gibbs, NASCAR Driver
Gibbs elaborated further, highlighting the importance of the orange guideline markers and right of way on pit road.
“So, you know, they’re on the wall for a reason, they jump for a reason, they kind of get out of the way. And those guys like to push it, and that’s kind of the consequence you pay. So, that’s unfortunate for them that they had a penalty. Nothing malicious, it’s my right of way. So.”
—Ty Gibbs, NASCAR Driver
This incident raised questions among fans and competitors about pit road protocol, particularly concerning how closely cars can enter their stall when pit crews are already at work. It also drew comparisons to previous pit road incidents, such as when JP Kealey was struck by a tire weeks earlier.
RFK Racing Shares Video Evidence
Intrigue surrounding the conflict prompted RFK Racing to release video footage from the No. 6 team’s pit box, offering viewers a clear view of the events. The video showed Gibbs approaching his pit box and appearing to swerve toward Keselowski’s tire carrier, intensifying the perception of aggression.
Immediately afterward, the tire carrier went to Gibbs’s pit box, where the confrontation escalated, and crew members from both sides engaged in a brief scuffle. The unusual sequence began when Chris Buescher made contact with Ty Gibbs earlier in the race, potentially heightening Gibbs’s frustration heading into the pit stop.
High Tensions and Impact on the Race
While Gibbs displayed speed during the Sonoma event, he was unable to capitalize on race day opportunities, as circumstances consistently seemed to go against him. Behind the frontrunner Shane van Gisbergen, the race was punctuated by moments of intensity and drama, particularly involving pit road action and crew disputes.
The pit road controversy at Sonoma rings especially significant for NASCAR as it highlights the inherent risks and challenges during pit stops, as well as the heated emotions that can run high among teams fighting for every second. For Ty Gibbs, the incident leaves a mark on his already passionate season, while also prompting ongoing discussions surrounding pit road safety measures and procedural clarity for all crew members and drivers involved.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Ty Gibbs drive the 54?
A. In 2022, Gibbs raced full-time in the Xfinity Series, piloting the No. 54 Toyota. His grandfather, Joe Gibbs, owned the team.
Q. Is Ty Gibbs any good?
A. Racing Insights reveals that Gibbs is among the top ten in passing, defense, and restarts for road courses this season. He stands fourth with an average running position of 10.92.
Q. Has Ty Gibbs ever won?
A. Ty Gibbs, the grandson of team owner Joe Gibbs, made a strong entrance into NASCAR in 2021 by winning his first Xfinity Series race at the Daytona Road Course. In 2022, Gibbs competed full-time in the Xfinity Series and claimed the championship in his debut season.
Q. How good is Ty Gibbs?
A. Ty Gibbs shares the top average finishing position of 6.0 among drivers in both NASCAR Cup Series races at the Chicago Street Course. In 2023, he began in 12th place and ended up in ninth. The previous year, he started in second, led 17 laps, and secured third place.
