Ty Gibbs‘ NASCAR career scrutiny has intensified following a recent altercation with teammate Denny Hamlin, reigniting claims of nepotism tied to his relationship with team owner, and grandfather, Joe Gibbs. This ongoing situation has drawn pointed commentary from NASCAR insiders and put a spotlight on Gibbs’ performance and place within the team as doubts surface about merit versus family ties.
Team Friction Comes to Light After Recent On-Track Incident
Following this past Sunday’s contentious event where Ty Gibbs and team star Denny Hamlin clashed, Kyle Petty made headlines for his blunt assessment of Gibbs’ status on the team. Petty asserted that if Ty were not related to Joe Gibbs, his standing on the team would already be in jeopardy. Petty’s remarks came during the Performance Racing Network’s “Fast Talk,” where he criticized Joe Gibbs for abstaining from mediating between Hamlin and Ty, reiterating that this hands-off approach is not a new philosophy for the veteran team owner.
An air of tension was captured live when a frustrated Denny Hamlin voiced his concerns over the team radio, asking,
“What is he [Ty Gibbs] doing? Are they afraid to talk to him? That’s what I feel like. They’re just scared of him.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver. In response, Hamlin’s crew chief Chris Gale took a diplomatic stance, replying,
“I don’t know the answer to that right now. I’m just focused on trying to get the 11 the best finish. We’ll talk about it after. I promise.”
— Chris Gale, Crew Chief.
Petty explained his view by stating that Ty Gibbs finds himself on such a high pedestal within the organization that criticism is avoided entirely, remarking that, in his opinion, Ty must receive honest feedback to progress as a racer. Petty did not question Ty’s raw ability, emphasizing,
“Because he is a phenomenal talent. He does have that talent. He just doesn’t put it in the right places at the right time. That’s the problem.”
— Kyle Petty, Racing Analyst.
Impressive Xfinity Series Run Leads to Questionable Promotion
Ty Gibbs built a formidable reputation in the Xfinity Series, clinching the championship in 2022 with seven race wins, twenty-three top-10 finishes, and five pole positions—all by the age of 20. Joe Gibbs decided his grandson’s success warranted a Cup Series seat, a choice that led to the high-profile non-renewal of two-time Cup Champion Kyle Busch’s contract, allowing Ty to step into the top-tier level for 2023.
Despite the promise shown in lower divisions, Ty’s transition to the Cup level has proved difficult. In 102 full-time starts, he has yet to secure his first win, and he’s missed the playoffs twice in three attempts—his highest finish being 15th during the 2024 campaign. Petty highlighted this contrast, warning that domination in one series does not automatically translate to immediate success in a more competitive field. He noted,
“That’s the problem with a superior car in the Xfinity Series,”
and explained,
“When you go out and kick butt week in and week out, you still don’t know how to race. You didn’t learn how to race outrunning everybody. You don’t know how to race when you dominate a series.”
— Kyle Petty, Racing Analyst.
He further elaborated on the ongoing learning process Gibbs faces at the Cup level, saying,
“You have to learn how to race. And Ty, I believe in a lot of ways, is still learning how to race. And Denny gave him a lesson [at Loudon]. I’m not saying it was the right lesson, but Denny taught him a lesson.”
— Kyle Petty, Racing Analyst.
Analysts Question Ty Gibbs’ Job Security Outside Family Ties
The role of nepotism surfaced more starkly during the exchange between “Fast Talk” host Doug Rice and Kyle Petty. Rice observed,
“If [Ty Gibbs is] racing for any other team with the results he’s had, he doesn’t keep that ride.”
— Doug Rice, Broadcaster. Petty strongly agreed, stating,
“No, this is his last year. If he’s run three years and hadn’t done any more, but especially coming off his Xfinity record. You are looking at a blue chip player that you thought was going to carry your organization forward, and he’s not taking your organization forward.”
— Kyle Petty, Racing Analyst.
Petty provided comparisons to other Joe Gibbs Racing recruits to underscore his point:
“You’ve hired Chase Briscoe, who’s come in and won races right off the bat,”
Petty said, continuing,
“You’ve hired Christopher Bell, who came out of that same thing where he dominated in the Xfinity Series, but he’s stepped up in the Cup Series and is winning races. Denny Hamlin started here and is your mainstay. He’s your horse that’s winning races.”
— Kyle Petty, Racing Analyst.
Tension lingers as Ty Gibbs fails to meet similar expectations, despite sustained opportunities in the Cup Series. The organization’s patience, influenced by family connections and Joe Gibbs’ loyalty, continues to draw scrutiny as observers ask how much longer the team will wait for Ty’s breakthrough win.
What the Future Holds for Ty Gibbs and Joe Gibbs Racing
With Ty Gibbs’ NASCAR career scrutiny growing, attention now turns to the next steps for both driver and team. Many in the racing community, including seasoned figures like Denny Hamlin, Doug Rice, and Kyle Petty, are vocal in their belief that performance alone should dictate a driver’s place—regardless of family heritage. As Ty attempts to move out from under the shadow of nepotism and deliver the results expected from a premier Cup Series seat, both his future and the credibility of Joe Gibbs Racing hinge on whether he can translate raw talent into actual victories.
