Having a racing family is not something every driver is blessed with, so Ty Gibbs is certainly among the lucky ones. Breezing past his opponents on Saturday, the 18-year-old secured his first Xfinity Series win at the Daytona Road Course.
It was undoubtedly an emotional moment for his legendary grandfather, Mr. Joe Gibbs, owner of the Joe Gibbs Racing team. Indeed, his grandson took on some tough, experienced drivers and emerged victorious among them all.
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Leading the way in congratulating Ty on his achievement was NASCAR driver Austin Dillon. A grandson himself to the great Mr. Richard Childress, he very well knows the feeling of what Gibbs’ achievement means.
Wishes from across the NASCAR community poured in for young Ty Gibbs on Twitter
Aside from Dillon, superstars Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin also took to the social media platform to convey their congratulations. Hamlin’s post’s caption read, “Way to go @TyGibbs_!!!!”
Congrats to @TyGibbs_ Nothing like winning one for your grandpa
— Austin Dillon (@austindillon3) February 21, 2021
Dude… that was awesome!! Impressive @TyGibbs_ 👊🏾
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) February 21, 2021
Way to go @TyGibbs_ !!!!
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) February 21, 2021
Very cool to see @TyGibbs_ drive the wheels off that 54 car. That was fun to watch. I’ve been talking racing w him for many many years and now he’s not just racing but winning! Congratulations kid! https://t.co/5wRw4VjcFk
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) February 21, 2021
Wow! @TyGibbs_ just put on a clinic in his first @NASCAR_Xfinity start! Congrats lil buddy!
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) February 21, 2021
Similarly, the JGR No.18 wrote, “Very cool to see @TyGibbs_ drive the wheels off that 54 car. That was fun to watch. I’ve been talking racing w him for many many years and now he’s not just racing but winning! Congratulations kid!”
Having worked his way through the junior levels of the ARCA Menards Series, Ty received his first-ever opportunity to race in the Xfinity Series. The 18-year-old, however, showed no signs of being jittery as he took to the track at Daytona.
Gibbs won the Daytona Road Course race on his Xfinity Series debut
Beginning in 15th, no one had wildly expected him to even be in close proximity to pack leader Jeb Burton at the start of the race. But, hustling through the second overtime finish, he eventually took the lead with one lap to go.
USA Today via Reuters
Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Ty Gibbs (54) races during the Super Start Batteries 188 at the Daytona International Speedway Road Course. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Even then, Gibbs had no guarantee of the win as he continually faced pressure from Austin Cindric. But keeping his cool, he stacked the pace and expertly navigated through the final turns to cross the finish line 1.5 seconds or so in front of Cindric.
Yesterday’s victory also saw Gibbs become the youngest driver to win an Xfinity Series road course event. But while great things might be in store for him in the future, he will probably prefer to sit back and savor the moment for now.
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