After the heated Ty Gibbs Sonoma blocking controversy erupted during the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Hall of Famer and influential NASCAR voice, offered a blunt verdict that resonated with fans and competitors alike. Earnhardt Jr.’s assessment not only captured the raw emotion of the moment but also reinforced one of stock car racing’s unwritten codes.
Earnhardt Jr. Condemns Blocking Move After Sonoma Crash
The pivotal incident unfolded in Stage 2, as Ty Gibbs committed a costly error in Turn 11, inviting a challenge from Chris Buescher. With Buescher poised for a fair pass, Gibbs executed a defensive block in the braking zone—a calculated risk that immediately drew consequences. Earnhardt Jr., speaking on his Dirty Air podcast alongside co-host TJ Majors, described the confrontation:
“Chris was close enough to pass. He, Christopher, faded right into the braking zone. Ty Gibbs blocks him. Christopher just pops him in the a** and ships him on into turn 11,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer.
Far from criticizing Buescher for his swift response, Earnhardt Jr. labeled it an example of pure racing reciprocity, crystallizing his philosophy with the phrase,
“(You also took the risk by making that block). You block, you pay,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer.
This was not just a reaction in the heat of the moment. Earlier that day, Earnhardt Jr. had outlined his expectations with a group of team spotters, explaining,
“I said, ‘Hey guys, I want to see some people get spun out today. You block, you pay. Tell your drivers if they block, they pay,’”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer.
NASCAR’s Unwritten Code Reinforced by Sonoma Clash
Digging deeper into the heart of the issue, Earnhardt Jr. elevated the mantra into racing doctrine, declaring,
“If there’s like a Ten Commandments in NASCAR or in racing, that’s one of them,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer. This statement positioned the “you block, you pay” rule as central to the sport’s culture, shared tacitly by drivers, teams, and fans alike.
Notably, the multi-time Daytona 500 winner emphasized the crucial difference between just payback and dangerous vengeance. He reminded listeners,
“Okay, and you shouldn’t right rear or wreck the guy. Maybe you bump him in the next corner and get him back,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer. Earnhardt Jr. credited Buescher for his restraint, observing that while a message was sent, it stopped short of deliberate destruction.
He summed up the fallout from the incident with,
“He didn’t spin him out. I would say he didn’t spin him out. So, Ty Gibbs should — Ty Gibbs could be a little disgruntled about it, but at the same time go, ‘Well, I’m thankful I’m not backwards and losing 10, 20 spots here,’”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer.
The Sonoma drama provided a vivid example of how NASCAR’s competitions are frequently self-governed by drivers who settle disputes on track, rather than waiting for officials to intervene. The exchange between Chris Buescher and Ty Gibbs, and Earnhardt Jr.’s unwavering “you block, you pay” sentiment, illustrated the tensions simmering beneath the surface and provided a reminder of the boundaries respected by those who race at the highest levels.
As the NASCAR world digests the implications of the Ty Gibbs Sonoma blocking controversy, both drivers and fans are left reflecting on the unwritten rules that continue to shape the intensity, drama, and raw emotion fueling every race.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Ty Gibbs drive the 54?
A. In 2022, Gibbs competed full-time in the Xfinity Series, driving the No. 54 Toyota for his grandfather, Joe Gibbs, the team owner. That year, he captured attention by winning seven races and securing a spot in the playoffs. He also had an opportunity to race in the Cup Series at Pocono Raceway.
Q. Is Ty Gibbs any good?
A. This season, Gibbs is among the top 10 for passing, defense, and restarts on road courses. His average running position is 10.92, placing him fourth.
Q. Has Ty Gibbs ever won?
A. Ty Gibbs, the grandson of NASCAR team owner Joe Gibbs, made a strong debut in 2021 by winning his first Xfinity Series race at the Daytona Road Course. In 2022, he joined the Xfinity Series full-time and won the championship in his first season.
Q. Has Ty Gibbs won?
A. In 2022, Gibbs began racing full-time in the Xfinity Series and won the championship in his rookie year.
