A very peculiar aspect of Ty Gibbs being promoted to the NASCAR Cup Series wasn’t so much the move itself, something everyone saw coming, but the team he is promoted to. Contrary to what many presumed, the Xfinity Series champion will be driving the #54 instead of the #18.

The reason for this is still something unclear, however, it didn’t stop the fans from throwing in wild theories.

While a considerable majority of the fans were of the opinion that Gibbs driving the #54 will eventually mean that Denny Hamlin will be able to take his #11 to the 23XI Racing team, which he co-owns with Michael Jordan.

However, there were a few speculations on Martin Truex Jr., who himself probably is heading into his last season, ‘replacing’ Kyle Busch in the #18.

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There’s more to “under a microscope” Ty Gibbs than what meets the eye, per Toyota boss

Speaking after Ty Gibbs’ Xfinity Series championship win in Phoenix, David Wilson, the President of Toyota Racing Development, claimed the young driver is indeed ready for the Cup Series based on his merit, and not on his name.

“Because of his last name, because of the race team that he races for, obviously he is under a microscope,” Wilson said. “He has faced this question of does he deserve to be there, how much is he there because of his family?”

“Anyone who really watches the sport and watches what he has done can easily recognize that he’s earned his spot, and he’s ready to go to the next step. There’s nothing more he needs to do.”

Even Coach Joe Gibbs emphasized that while the doubters might bring up the question of “too early”, his grandson has certainly done enough to earn the full-time Cup Series opportunity.

“I think he has worked really hard,” Gibbs added.

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