Ty Gibbs, the 23-year-old grandson of team owner Joe Gibbs, is launching into a packed California dirt racing schedule this offseason, aiming to erase the sting of missing the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs in 2025. This move, highlighting Joe Gibbs Racing news, sees Gibbs using every available moment to rebuild momentum and develop his skills for the 2026 racing year.
Ty Gibbs Pursues Improvement after Difficult NASCAR Season
After a challenging 2025 campaign that saw Ty Gibbs as the only Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) driver left out of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, the Charlotte, North Carolina native has been determined not to squander his winter. Gibbs’ season was undermined by inconsistency, with a rough start, fluctuating performances, and a disappointing finish at Phoenix Raceway where he fell to 21st, outpaced by his teammates. As the driver tapped to be the next franchise star, the underwhelming results made the offseason even more critical for reassessment and growth.
Determined to rebound, Gibbs headed toward dirt racing to gain additional race experience and master new disciplines. The young driver’s move to diverse events reflects an energetic approach—one fueled by ambition, passion, and the desire to change the narrative surrounding his young career.
An Ambitious Four-Race California Campaign
Recently, Gibbs outlined his winter racing plans, embracing a multi-event push on California’s revered dirt tracks. Speaking to FloRacing, Gibbs described his packed schedule and his focus on gaining experience and improving his craft.
“After tonight and tomorrow, obviously, I’m running Kern and then Ventura, Prax, and Rakes. I’ve got four races out here, so I’m super excited. I’m pumped to be out here and hopefully learn a lot and get better in the golf lane and just get more experience, really,”
Gibbs said. — Ty Gibbs, driver
Gibbs is currently competing in the USAC NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship at Merced Speedway, part of the Golden State Invasion, driving car No. 84. He posted a qualifying lap at 12.362 seconds, which placed him 25th among the field. In the first heat race, he secured a sixth-place finish but fell short of qualifying for the feature. A subsequent run in the semi-feature also did not grant entry into the main event.
Despite not advancing, Gibbs’ efforts on the challenging dirt showcased his determination to develop as both a racer and a competitor. This participation is part of his off-season focus on broadening his experience with different cars and racing formats.
Not content to rest, Gibbs transitioned straight from the conclusion of the NASCAR Cup Series to the World of Outlaws sprint cars, again on California’s demanding clay tracks. In his first session, he set the fastest time at 12.865 seconds, quickly displaying adaptability to the 4/10-mile oval and reinforcing that his commitment to improvement goes beyond NASCAR circles.
Expanding Horizons through Offseason Dirt Competition
The transition from the high-powered, heavy, and aerodynamic Cup cars to nimble midget and sprint cars underscores Gibbs’ willingness to learn. Competing with the USAC National Midget tour, Gibbs enters premier events—including the Turkey Night Grand Prix—while signaling his intent to also challenge in high-profile competitions such as the Chili Bowl.
For Gibbs, this off-season is less about downtime and more a crucial developmental phase. The switch to vehicles that demand different skills—like enhanced car control and rapid reactions—strengthens his adaptability ahead of another grueling Cup season.
Ty Gibbs’ 2025 NASCAR numbers illustrate why such a proactive approach is needed. With five top-five finishes, 10 top 10s, and an average finish of 17.9, Gibbs ended up 19th in the season standings—well below expectations for the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 54 team. By relentlessly pursuing new challenges, the young driver is hoping to close the performance gap with JGR teammates and top stars like 2025 NASCAR Cup champion Kyle Larson, who is known for his own busy off-season schedule.
Joe Gibbs Racing Secures Major Partnership Ahead of 2026 Season
While Ty Gibbs is making headlines for his hard-charging approach on the West Coast circuit, Joe Gibbs Racing has scored a significant sponsorship coup heading into next year. Columbia Bank will become the primary sponsor for Chase Briscoe’s No. 19 Toyota Camry in three major NASCAR Cup Series events in 2026—Circuit of the Americas on March 1, Sonoma Raceway on June 28, and Phoenix Raceway on October 18. Columbia Bank also comes aboard as JR’s official banking partner, further strengthening the team’s operations.
The multiyear collaboration aims to expand the bank’s brand presence at key venues and bring relationship-driven banking services to JGR operations. Briscoe’s Toyota will feature Columbia Bank’s iconic blue and white branding at highly anticipated NASCAR stops, including the track that determines the Cup Series champion. The bank’s involvement will support JGR’s financial health both on and off the track.
“We’re excited to partner with Columbia Bank starting in 2026. Their commitment to relationship-based banking aligns perfectly to our approach with our partners,”
said Eric Schaffer, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at JGR.
“We look forward to showcasing the Columbia brand, while enjoying the benefits of their support in handling JGR’s everyday banking needs.”
— Eric Schaffer, chief commercial officer
Success for Briscoe and a Promising Outlook for JGR
For Chase Briscoe, who is coming off his best year in the NASCAR Cup Series, the new sponsorship adds further optimism. Briscoe claimed three race wins, 15 top-five results, 19 top 10s, seven pole positions, and finished third in the decisive Championship 4 battle at Phoenix. The partnership with Columbia Bank not only ensures valuable support for Briscoe’s 2026 schedule but also highlights JGR’s ongoing commitment to fostering robust partnerships that sustain competitive excellence.
With solid on-track momentum and the promise of reliable backing, Joe Gibbs Racing is positioned for a season marked by both sporting and financial strength. The combination of Briscoe’s performance and Columbia Bank’s support sets the stage for an impactful year.
Looking Forward: Significance and Next Steps
The off-season efforts by Ty Gibbs spotlight an important theme in modern motorsport: the relentless drive for improvement and resilience in the face of adversity. By challenging himself in new environments and against different types of competition, Gibbs is not only seeking redemption for 2025 but also modeling a path for other young drivers navigating setbacks.
Meanwhile, Joe Gibbs Racing’s partnership with Columbia Bank signals faith in both the team’s current performance and its long-term trajectory. As the organization doubles down on development, sponsorship, and relationship-driven growth, all eyes will be on JGR, Ty Gibbs, and Chase Briscoe as the countdown to the 2026 Cup Series begins in earnest.
