
via Imago
Photographer:Nigel Kinrade / NKP / Motorsport Images

via Imago
Photographer:Nigel Kinrade / NKP / Motorsport Images

Joe Gibbs’ grandson Ty Gibbs has lately been testing the patience of NASCAR fans. Early on, the young driver blasted through the ARCA Menards and Xfinity Series with speed and skill that made him a rising star. But since stepping up to the Cup level, his aggressive on-track style and high-profile clashes with teammates have sparked growing criticism. Fans have been airing frustrations and hinting at a bigger reckoning about his attitude and what it could mean for his future.
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The most notable flashpoint came at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. This was where Gibbs tangled with teammate Denny Hamlin in a battle over 11th place. Hamlin, visibly frustrated, spun Gibbs out, ending his race and igniting criticism from across the NASCAR community.
Analysts pointed out that Gibbs’ actions suggested he prioritized personal gain over team strategy. Veterans like Dale Jr also questioned his motive, “I have a hard time trying to figure out Ty Gibbs…I don’t know what his motive is.”
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The reason this shoots up now is because it isn’t the first time with Gibbs. He has had multiple incidents of on-track aggression or controversial moves. Take the example when he wrecked his teammate, Brandon Jones, at Martinsville in 2022, a move many called selfish and “dirty.”
2022 Dead On Tools 250 at Martinsville
Reason: some good fortune after Ty Gibbs wrecks Brandon Jones pic.twitter.com/k4zatw63t2
— the hamlinator (@23xi45) June 22, 2024
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Though he’s made statements afterwards apologizing, expressing regret, saying he wants to race more cleanly. However, fans believe that despite apologies, his actions repeat his stints. They were quick to weigh in online, debating whether this instance was a one-off rookie mistake or an addition to that pattern he’s followed.
Then came the raw discussion that left many scratching their heads. A Reddit post titled “Ty Gibbs attitude” became the epicenter of fan frustrations. Many questioned whether Gibbs would ever grasp the opportunities being handed to him in a cut-throat sport. Comments poured in dissecting his aggressive driving, clashes with teammates, and the influence of his family ties on his career trajectory. The thread painted a portrait of fans losing patience.
.@TyGibbs_ attitude (via u/Altfun8391) https://t.co/VUngQL9oq8 #NASCAR
— r/NASCAR on Reddit (@NASCARonReddit) September 25, 2025
The discussion has broader implications for Gibbs’ reputation and for Joe Gibbs Racing. Analysts argue that Gibbs’ talent could overshadow his accomplishments if left unchecked.
As the season continues, the pressure is mounting for Gibbs to prove that he can combine speed with accountability. But for now, fans are scrutinizing his every move and questioning whether lessons learned off the track will ever translate into maturity.
Fans don’t hold back on their feelings for Ty Gibbs
Ty Gibbs’ jump from domination to struggle in the Cup Series has been hard to miss. Fans expected him to carry his winning ways into the top tier, but a string of incidents and clashes with teammates has put his temperament under the microscope.
“I don’t know him. Haven’t liked the way he’s come off on camera or racing. It’s gotta be brutal to go from being THE guy in the lower series to not winning and seeing your new teammate winning and running for the championship, and your other two teammates winning and running for the Cup while you miss the playoffs.” It shows that while some understand the pressure Gibbs faces, many are frustrated with the way he’s handling it.
Time and experience often mellow young drivers, but some fans don’t see that with Gibbs. One wrote, “I figured he would have had some humbling the last couple of years but I do not think that’s the case at all.” The comment reflected the belief that Gibbs hasn’t grown much since his early career. Fans expected setbacks and higher-level competition to teach him patience and humility, but they feel those lessons haven’t stuck.
Certain incidents have become symbolic of the problem. After a wreck in ARCA with Jones, Gibbs’ reaction rubbed fans the wrong way. One said, “Not only were the circumstances with the Jones wreck egregious, but what really did it for me was when he went on to celebrate after like he just won the championship. Then he gets out of the car all giddy, talking about how he had to get himself a clock. It was the epitome of oblivious. And being 18 years old doesn’t even begin to excuse it. This was a very basic matter of perception and knowing right from wrong.”
The fan was pointing to more than just the celebration. They saw a young driver oblivious to how his behavior comes across, reinforcing a sense of entitlement.
But then, Gibbs’ public image, according to fans, has been shaped since his very first Xfinity race. One commenter reflected, “I’ve not been a fan of his since his first Xfinity race when he made those comments about Daytona. Not that I’m defending Daytona, but he came across as way too arrogant.” For many, arrogance early on set the tone for everything that followed. It’s a reminder that first impressions stick, and fans have long memories in motorsports.
It’s not just on-track behavior that fans are watching. They’re also concerned about his influence in the garage. One fan wrote, “The fact that he’s actively blocking Heim from joining JGR, because they didn’t like each other in ARCA, should tell you all you need to know about JGR’s future under NepoTYsm’s leadership.”
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Here, the criticism goes beyond driving. Fans questioned whether Gibbs’ personal grudges are shaping team decisions, which feeds the narrative of entitlement and nepotism.
Taken together, these reactions show a clear trend. Gibbs’ talent behind the wheel is unquestioned, but fans are increasingly frustrated with his attitude. Across social media, the conversation isn’t just about mistakes on track. It’s about character, growth, and whether the hype around him can survive these controversies.
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