Ty Gibbs, grandson of Joe Gibbs, had a challenging start to his rookie year in the Cup Series. However, his last 16 races saw a marked improvement, showcasing his potential and resilience.
An Unusual Journey to the Top
Ty's journey to the Cup Series was swift but well-deserved. After clinching the 2021 ARCA Menards championship and the 2022 Xfinity Series championship, he took over the #54 Toyota Camry from Kyle Busch. Despite 2023 being his first full-time year in the top tier, he managed to secure 4 top-5s and 10 top-10s.
The Reluctant Rookie of the Year
Ty's indifferent attitude towards winning the Rookie of the Year award raised eyebrows. He once said, “Of course, I’d rather have it than not, but I’d rather be winning races. Winning Rookie of the Year or not winning it isn’t going to change my life. I don’t think much about it either way.” His sullen expression while accepting the trophy has since become a viral sensation, adding an unexpected twist to his successful rookie year.