Joe Gibbs Racing

Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) is a premier professional auto racing organization based in the United States, competing chiefly in NASCAR’s top series, including the Cup Series and the Xfinity Series. Founded in 1991 by Joe Gibbs, a former NFL head coach renowned for his three Super Bowl championships with the Washington Redskins, JGR made its NASCAR debut in the 1992 Daytona 500.

The team is headquartered in Huntersville, North Carolina, and has grown into one of NASCAR’s most successful and respected teams. JGR operates multiple entries in the Cup Series and Xfinity Series, known for its competitive edge, technical innovation, and a strong roster of drivers. 

HISTORY

Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) is a professional stock car racing team that competes in NASCAR, known for its presence in the sport’s top-tier NASCAR Cup Series as well as the Xfinity Series. Founded in 1992 by Joe Gibbs, a former NFL coach who led the Washington Redskins to three Super Bowl titles, JGR has grown into one of the most successful teams in NASCAR history.

Joe Gibbs Racing was established in 1992 with Dale Jarrett as the driver of the No. 18 Chevrolet, which quickly made an impact by winning the Daytona 500 in 1993. This early success set the tone for the organization, positioning JGR as a competitive team right from its inception.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Joe Gibbs Racing expanded its operations to include multiple cars. Key drivers over the years have included Tony Stewart, who won two championships (2002 and 2005) with JGR, and Bobby Labonte, who secured the team’s first NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2000. The team switched from Chevrolet to Toyota in 2008, marking a significant change in its racing dynamics and manufacturer relationships.

In the 2010s, JGR continued to excel with drivers like Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, and Carl Edwards. Kyle Busch, in particular, brought great success to the team, winning the Cup Series championships in 2015 and 2019. The team’s performance in both the Cup and Xfinity Series has been consistently strong, with numerous race wins and championship titles, further establishing its legacy in the sport.

Under the leadership of Joe Gibbs, the team has been known for its strategic approaches, technical excellence, and strong team dynamics. JGR has not only focused on winning races but also on innovation in race car technology and team management, setting high standards in NASCAR racing.

As of 2023, Joe Gibbs Racing expanded its business operations by selling minority stakes to Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and Arctos Partners, a move aimed at bolstering the team’s competitiveness and financial stability in the evolving sports environment.

Joe Gibbs Racing’s history is a testament to its founder’s vision and leadership, translating success from the football field to the racetrack. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on future growth, JGR remains a formidable force in NASCAR racing.

NASCAR CUP SERIES

Throughout its journey, JGR has secured numerous championship victories, attracting top-tier drivers and securing significant sponsorships. Renowned for its competitive edge and pioneering innovations in race strategy and vehicle technology, the team has firmly solidified its position as a dominant force in the sport.

NASCAR XFINITY SERIES

Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) has left a notable imprint on the NASCAR Xfinity Series, a prominent second-tier auto racing circuit in the United States. Since entering the Xfinity Series, JGR has fostered emerging talent and experienced notable success, securing multiple championships since its inception in the series. The team’s commitment to nurturing young drivers and elevating car performance reflects its overarching strategy across diverse NASCAR competitions.

NASCAR TRUCK SERIES

From 2000 to 2002, Joe Gibbs Racing fielded trucks numbered 20 and 48 in the Craftsman Truck Series, with Gibbs’ sons, Coy and J.D. Gibbs, behind the wheel. Coy participated in 12 races in 2000 and completed full seasons in 2001 and 2002, achieving 21 top 10 finishes and securing 10th place in points standings in both full seasons. J.D. raced in a total of 8 races across the three seasons but did not manage to secure any top 10 finishes. Between 2010 and 2022, drivers affiliated with JGR competed in the Truck Series under Kyle Busch Motorsports, utilizing engines built by JGR. This partnership came to an end after the 2022 season following Kyle Busch’s departure from the team.