Ty Gibbs, once known as a rising pavement specialist in NASCAR, made headlines during the 2025 offseason by returning to his origins in dirt racing at the Tulsa Shootout. Determined to expand his motorsports repertoire, Gibbs showcased his versatility and energy by competing across Sprint Cars, Midgets, and Outlaw Karts, with his focus keyword—Ty Gibbs dirt racing journey—attracting widespread attention.
Support from Joe Gibbs Paves New Avenues
With permission from Joe Gibbs, Ty’s grandfather and racing mentor, the young driver embraced the chance to participate in dirt events during NASCAR’s break. This support enabled him to dedicate significant time and effort into refining his skills, particularly in prestigious competitions like the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and the celebrated Tulsa Shootout held at the SageNet Center in Tulsa.
Outstanding Tulsa Performance Across Multiple Divisions
Arriving at the Tulsa Shootout, Ty Gibbs decisively entered all four headline divisions: Winged Outlaw, Non-Wing Outlaw, A-Class, and Stock Non-Wing. His most dramatic feat came in the Non-Wing Outlaw heat race, where he surged from eighth to first place in just eight laps, highlighting clear progress in adapting to dirt tracks and machinery.
“It’s been so much fun. Yeah, I’ve had a blast. So yeah, think that’s my 9th Race ever. Just learning and getting better. Yesterday wasn’t really great, but ya, we’re improving, and thank you to Chad Boat & all these guys that helped me out.”
— Ty Gibbs, driver
“Dayson Pursley has been helping a lot. It’s been so much fun. The dirt world is so welcoming. It’s just so cool. Yeah, this was a lot of fun. I wouldn’t want anything different.”
— Ty Gibbs, driver
Ty made sure to credit those around him—like Chad Boat and Dayson Pursley—for assisting in his rapid progression, while expressing appreciation for the exciting and supportive dirt racing community. His comments reflected genuine enthusiasm and a hunger to keep learning, turning mistakes into motivation for future improvement.
Gaining Experience on and off the Track
Gibbs cited the importance of valuable laps on dirt, where every circuit taught him more about car control, positioning, and race craft. The car’s responsiveness during his heat race—thanks to careful preparation and the right setup—allowed him to seize opportunities and adapt to changing track conditions.
“I guess I’m another one of the kids, too.”
— Ty Gibbs, driver
Sharing the pits and track with competitors from across the nation, Ty acknowledged the inclusive spirit of dirt racing, which fosters development among drivers young and old alike. The sense of belonging he encountered boosted his enthusiasm further and tied back to his early days racing Outlaw Karts at Millbridge Speedway.
Resilience Through Challenges and Nostalgic Returns
Ty Gibbs’ journey on dirt also included facing adversity. At the Kubota High Limit event in Las Vegas, his inaugural 410 sprint car start ended with a hard crash, but he still qualified for the A-Main, showing resilience and determination to grow as a driver. These moments added valuable lessons to his already impressive résumé.
Returning to the SageNet Center evoked nostalgia for Gibbs, who once raced BMX bikes there in his youth. Being back for the Tulsa Shootout as a driver added personal significance to his dirt racing endeavors, mixing fond memories with the thrill of high-powered competition.
A Growing Dirt Racing Journey with Lasting Impact
For Ty Gibbs, dirt racing represents the purest expression of motorsport—a place where each lap hones instinct and talent. The 2025 Tulsa Shootout became a major milestone in his career, providing exhilarating experiences, renewed motivation, and a broader skillset. As he builds on lessons from every event, Ty’s evolving path continues to inspire both his team at JGR and the wider world of racing, signaling a passionate commitment to mastering multiple disciplines and a future full of electrifying possibilities.
"I guess I'm another one of the kids, too." 😁@TyGibbs is having a blast at the #TulsaShootout after ripping from 8th to 1st in his heat race.
He caught up with @_TylerBurnett for a @JoesRacing interview 👇 pic.twitter.com/fgtpiXsw3d
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) December 31, 2025
