Controversy erupted around the Ty Gibbs Sonoma pit lane controversy during the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway, when rookie Ty Gibbs was accused of intentionally bumping a member of Brad Keselowski’s pit crew, sparking strong criticism from NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. The incident—and Earnhardt’s reaction—have fueled intense debate throughout the NASCAR community, raising questions about sportsmanship, intent, and possible penalties.
Gibbs’ Actions Draw Immediate Attention at Sonoma
The issue began after Gibbs, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, became involved in an on-track scuffle with Chris Buescher, and then drew heightened scrutiny with his pit-stop maneuver involving RFK Racing and Keselowski’s team. As Shane van Gisbergen captured headlines for his dominance on the road course, Gibbs managed to draw the spotlight following a tense post-race situation, overshadowing even the winner’s accomplishment.
On pit lane, the rookie driver clipped the tire being handled by a member of Keselowski’s crew while entering his pit box. The contact forced the crew member to react quickly to avoid injury, setting off immediate friction between both teams. The pit lane turned into a scene of raised tempers, underscoring the pressure and high stakes of NASCAR competition.
As social media and fans began dissecting footage of the clash, attention focused on whether the move was a heat-of-the-moment mistake—or something much more deliberate. The spotlight only grew brighter when Dale Earnhardt Jr. publicly addressed the issue.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Calls Out Gibbs’ “Devious” Behavior
Days after the incident, Dale Earnhardt Jr.—a respected figure as a former driver, NASCAR Hall of Famer, and co-owner of JR Motorsports—voiced pointed frustrations about Ty Gibbs’s actions. Rather than seeing the maneuver as a mere racing mishap, Earnhardt Jr. suggested it could be interpreted as retaliation linked to Gibbs’ earlier run-in with Chris Buescher, Buescher’s RFK Racing teammate.
During his discussion on the Dale Jr. Download, Earnhardt Jr. questioned not only Gibbs’ aggressive approach, but also his motivation behind targeting a pit crew member rather than an on-track rival. He contrasted Gibbs’s decision with his own experience, expressing disbelief that frustration would be taken out on someone not directly involved in the initial racing conflict. The NASCAR legend alluded to a line being crossed, implying that the act displayed a particularly ruthless mindset for such a young driver.
“He’s pissed off and he’s like..is Ty Gibbs that devious that he’s like, well, it’s not to 17. It is a six, though..If I can’t get back at Chris Buescher, I can, at least, show my displeasure to the 16. Well, that’s pretty freaking devious. —Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
Other team members and insiders echoed the intensity of the moment, as emotions ran high in the pit area in the wake of Gibbs’ move.
Mixed Reactions from Officials and Pit Crews
NASCAR fans, officials, and teams quickly weighed in on the Ty Gibbs Sonoma pit lane controversy. Gibbs defended his right of way, arguing that as lead car, he was entitled to enter his pit box and that Keselowski’s crew had crossed into his path. At the same time, the crew member involved was fulfilling his responsibilities within the designated area, managing two tires at once—a detail that complicated public interpretation of the incident.
Video clips of the moment circulated online, spurring further debate within the racing community about what constitutes fair play and where to draw the line between aggressive competition and recklessness.
Ty Gibbs clips a tire while entering his box, and things get heated fast — Brad Keselowski’s crew wasn’t having it.
Tempers, tires, and teamwork all collided in this pit road scuffle.
Who do you think was in the wrong? 👀 pic.twitter.com/RWKpb6fydv
— Lucky Dog on Track – NASCAR (@LuckyDogOnTrack)
No Penalty from NASCAR—But the Dispute Lingers
NASCAR officials ultimately reviewed the pit road altercation and determined that the incident merited no official penalty for Ty Gibbs, nor for the Keselowski pit crew members involved. However, the lack of consequences has done little to quell the ongoing debate. Earnhardt Jr. expressed skepticism about the ruling, suggesting that deeper investigation could lead to a different outcome if RFK Racing can substantiate claims of intentional contact by Gibbs.
The scenario has left both competitors and fans questioning how NASCAR should handle similar episodes in the future, and whether changes to pit lane protocols or enforcement are needed to prevent incidents from escalating further.
What the Future Holds for Ty Gibbs and NASCAR Integrity
The fallout from the Ty Gibbs Sonoma pit lane controversy shows no signs of subsiding, especially with figures like Dale Earnhardt Jr. continuing to comment on the young driver’s judgment and the message such actions send. As discussions unfold across the sport about accountability, retaliation, and pit road safety, all eyes remain on Ty Gibbs, Joe Gibbs Racing, and RFK Racing to see how they respond, both on and off the track, in the next rounds of competition.
Whether NASCAR officials will modify their stance, or if further developments emerge revealing new motivations or evidence, remains to be seen. For now, the incident stands as a stark reminder of how quickly the high-pressure world of NASCAR can ignite debates over sportsmanship, intent, and the responsibilities drivers bear every lap—whether inside the car or on pit road.
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. His grandfather, Joe Gibbs, owned the team. Gibbs impressed many by winning seven races and making it to the playoffs. He had a chance to race in the Cup Series at Pocono Raceway that year.
Q. Is Ty Gibbs any good?
A. Data from Racing Insights shows that this season, Gibbs is among the top in 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 team owner Joe Gibbs, burst onto the NASCAR scene in 2021. He won his debut race in the Xfinity Series at the Daytona Road Course. In 2022, Gibbs began racing full-time in the Xfinity Series and won the championship in his rookie season.
Q. Has Ty Gibbs won?
A. In 2022, Gibbs started racing full time in the Xfinity Series and secured the championship in his debut season.
