The Ty Gibbs Sonoma pit road incident drew considerable attention during last weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway. On Sunday, a dramatic sequence unfolded after Ty Gibbs, representing Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), made contact with a tire carried by Brad Keselowski’s pit crew while entering his pit box. Neither injuries nor delays occurred, but Keselowski, RFK Racing’s co-owner and driver, soon responded publicly, escalating the controversy.
As Shane van Gisbergen celebrated another triumphant race in his burgeoning campaign, the tension on pit road was palpable. During Lap 52, Ty Gibbs approached for a scheduled pit stop. In the shuffle as he approached the pit stall, Gibbs clipped a tire being handled by a crew member from Keselowski’s team. Fortunately, the tire carrier emerged unharmed, and RFK Racing’s pit stop proceeded without further incident. Despite this, the No. 6 pit crew member later engaged in a conversation with the JGR team to address the matter directly.
Keselowski’s Online Jibe Intensifies Pit Road Drama
Brad Keselowski, never one to shy away from pointed commentary, turned to X to lob a clear shot at Ty Gibbs following the altercation. The 41-year-old racer shared an Amazon link for a spike stud strip—a tongue-in-cheek suggestion that pit crews might consider extreme measures to protect themselves from future run-ins. By posting, Keselowski implied that such devices could prevent similar accidents, although he stopped short of mentioning Gibbs directly. The implication was unmistakable, and the tweet quickly garnered reactions across the racing community.
Amazon really does have everything a pit crew could need. Legal too!
—Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing co-owner and driver
While Keselowski joked about the legality of using a spike strip, NASCAR’s official rules and safety standards suggest such actions would not find approval. The post highlighted Keselowski’s frustration with Gibbs’ pit road approach, underscoring the intensity of competition and the sensitivities regarding pit lane safety. The tire carrier’s decision to confront the JGR camp demonstrated that the RFK Racing crew did not take the incident lightly.
NASCAR Investigates Confrontation, Clears Gibbs of Blame
The events prompted swift discussion among competitors and officials. Ty Gibbs insisted that his actions were unintentional, but the aggrieved crew member from Keselowski’s team did not hesitate to speak directly to the JGR side about the risky contact. NASCAR officials, mindful of pit road protocol and safety, initiated a review—though not of Gibbs’ driving, but of the ensuing confrontation between RFK Racing’s and JGR’s pit crews.
NASCAR is not going to review what Ty Gibbs did at all. That is closed. They feel he did not do anything wrong. However, they are going to review the altercation on pit road between the tire carrier from the 6 team and the altercation between the 54 team. That is the only thing that is open from this. They looked at it already [Gibbs incident]. They did look at it in the moment and they’re good. So, it’s not that they’re burying their head in the sand. They did look at it and they absolved him and that’s that.
—Jordan Bianchi, NASCAR reporter
NASCAR reporter Jordan Bianchi clarified that after a prompt assessment, officials found Ty Gibbs blameless in the pit contact. Their attention, therefore, turned to the behavior and exchanges between crew members after the incident. According to Bianchi, the governing body considered the matter regarding Gibbs closed, while leaving open the possibility of disciplinary action based on the altercation on pit road. The response from officials was meant to assure competitors that NASCAR takes the safety of both drivers and crew seriously, stepping in quickly to establish accountability.
Ongoing Concerns and the Race’s Emotional Fallout
This episode showcased the high-stakes environment of NASCAR Cup Series racing, where mistakes and misunderstandings can quickly inflame rivalries. While Ty Gibbs was ultimately exonerated for his actions, questions remain about pit crew safety protocols and the tension that can erupt in pressure-filled moments. The tire carrier’s bold approach in confronting JGR’s personnel demonstrated how close calls can strain relationships between teams. Both the drivers and the pit crews are expected to act with caution and respect, especially in such confined, fast-moving spaces.
The likes of Brad Keselowski, Ty Gibbs, and their respective organizations—RFK Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing—now stand as examples of how race day incidents can spark debates well beyond the checkered flag. Official adjudication by NASCAR may resolve the immediate dispute, but fans and teams alike are sure to keep a close watch on future interactions, hoping similar pit road controversies will be avoided as the campaign continues. The intensity of these moments speaks not only to the drive and passion of those at the center—such as Gibbs, Keselowski, and their dedicated crews—but also to the ongoing need for enhanced communication and vigilance in one of motorsport’s most demanding arenas.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Ty Gibbs drive the 54?
A. In 2022, Gibbs began competing full-time in the Xfinity Series. He drove the No. 54 Toyota for his grandfather, Joe Gibbs, who owns the team.
Gibbs made a strong impression by winning seven races and qualifying for the playoffs that year. He also had a chance to race in the Cup Series at Pocono Raceway.
Q. Is Ty Gibbs any good?
A. Based on information from Racing Insights, Gibbs is among the top ten in passing, defense, and restarts on road courses this year. His average running position is fourth at 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. In his first race in the Xfinity Series at the Daytona Road Course, he claimed victory. Gibbs transitioned to a full-time role in the Xfinity Series in 2022, capturing the championship title in his debut season.
Q. Has Ty Gibbs won?
A. In his first year after switching to full-time racing in the Xfinity Series in 2022, Gibbs won the championship.
