Joe Gibbs has taken the proverb ‘Age is just a number’ quite literally. In a recent development, Joe Gibbs Racing has signed 14-year-old racing sensation Max Reaves. The deal between the two parties is a multi-year agreement, with Reaves joining the team as a developmental driver. With such young racers infiltrating the sport, NASCAR fans have reacted to the news by expressing their surprise over how the next generation of NASCAR drivers is shaping up.

JGR announced the news on Tuesday, and Max Reaves will start right away at the Toyota Performance Center in North Carolina. Joe Gibbs has always had an eye for talent and has developed several talents at the grassroots level. This opportunity will assist Max Reaves’ growth as a driver on and off the track, with JGR aiding him in public relations, social media, technical support, and race experience.

Joe Gibbs is set to develop another talent for the future

Among the current Cup Series roster, Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell are two of the fastest drivers. Apart from their talent, one of the primary reasons behind their rise to prominence is the presence of Joe Gibbs in their career. Noticing Max Reaves’ talent since his debut victory in the North Carolina Quarter Midget Association, Gibbs has enticed the driver and his grandfather, who is also his crew chief.

Announcing his joy over the signing, the NASCAR and NFL Hall of Famer said, “We are excited to have Max join our development program at Joe Gibbs Racing. We have always taken a lot of pride in our program and place a great deal of emphasis on developing talent. Max has already established himself as a winning driver and we look forward to supporting him as he continues to advance his career.”

Max Reaves isn’t the only Reaves family member in the plan either. Joe Gibbs plans to extend support to Max Reaves’ younger brother Roo, who has evolved into a racing talent in the shadow of his elder brother. Revealing his mind map, Gibbs added, “It has been great getting to know their entire family. Their love for the sport has impressed me, and it is clear that they are all in when it comes to supporting not only Max but his younger brother Roo as well, who is already making a name for himself too.”

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Reaves hasn’t limited his racing profile to quarter midget racing. Having raced in dirt wing outlaws, bandolero cars, sprint cars, pro late models, and legend cars, he is incredibly versatile. He showcases why Joe Gibbs Racing is looking to tap into his potential. Should everything go as planned, the NASCAR community might have another superstar on its hands. Watching young kids outperform others at a young age can often be frustrating for adults. Joe Gibbs Racing’s announcement to sign Max Reaves has triggered precisely that section of the community.

NASCAR fans are unable to relate to the growth rate of young drivers

Talent is something NASCAR has in abundance. Year after year, the quality of younger drivers keeps growing. One might credit that to the several competitions that provide a platform for them, like the CARS Tour. However, the process of becoming a great driver starts much earlier. A great example would be Kyle Busch’s son, Brexton, who is winning titles at such a young age.

Watching young drivers develop at an age where they could have done many more impressive things, NASCAR fans couldn’t hold back their remorse. One of the fans contemplated his adolescent years as he wrote, “What did I do wrong growing up?”

“Someone in his family has to know Joe Gibbs,” wrote another fan, stating that the Reaves family has to be a close acquaintance of Gibbs since he is as young as a developmental driver gets. A fan five years older than Max Reaves commented, “Bro, how are kids getting contracts and living their dream I’m 19 wtf am I doing.”

Unable to digest the fact that a 14-year-old driver has signed for Joe Gibbs Racing, one of the comments read, “I’m sorry how old?!”

Max Reaves is undoubtedly a promising prospect. While NASCAR is an unpredictable sport where form and potential can change in a matter of seconds, with Mr. Gibbs’ hand on him, not much could go wrong.

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