Tensions escalated between Brad Keselowski’s and Ty Gibbs’ pit crews during the Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway on July 13, leading to a physical confrontation on pit road. The incident, captured in a 26-second video shared by RFK Racing on X, sparked widespread reactions among fans and prompted an official review.
The clash occurred on Lap 52, near the end of Stage 2, when Gibbs entered his pit stall and clipped Keselowski’s adjacent stall. Gibbs’ car appeared to nearly hit Keselowski’s front tire changer, Telvin McClurkin, whose wrist was reportedly twisted by the contact, causing a delay in Keselowski’s pit stop, as he later told TNT Sports.
Following Keselowski’s departure from his box, McClurkin reportedly walked over to Gibbs’ pit area, sparking a shoving contest between the two pit crews. Although the video does not show the entire altercation, NASCAR officials intervened to stop the fight shortly after it began.
Public Reactions Highlight Divided Opinions on the Pit Road Incident
The controversy generated mixed responses from fans. Some held Ty Gibbs responsible, with one expressing,
“Can’t swing in like that when there’s a man already standing there.”
Others blamed Keselowski’s team for their approach, noting,
“Looks like your crew should’ve waited for his car to go by before they came over the wall.”
Additional comments reflected frustration over the incident and its dangers. One fan declared, “Ty was wrong,” while another added,
“Any other last name and he’d be back in trucks.”
Safety concerns were also raised, as one comment stated,
“I understand Ty being frustrated but pit road is no place for that crap. It’s just too dangerous.”
Another urged harsh consequences:
“Should have parked him right away and sit out next week! Disgusting behavior!”
NASCAR’s Official Statement and Race Outcomes
NASCAR acknowledged that Keselowski’s team should have allowed Gibbs’ car more time to pass their pit stall before entering, according to a spokesperson. The organization announced the altercation will be thoroughly examined during the week.
The race itself saw Trackhouse Racing rookie Shane van Gisbergen claim victory in the 110-lap event, followed by Chase Briscoe, Chase Elliott, Michael McDowell, and Christopher Bell in the top five. Brad Keselowski finished in 11th place, while Ty Gibbs secured seventh, marking his fifth top-10 finish this season.
Ty Gibbs Defends His Actions Regarding the Pit Road Confrontation
After the race, Ty Gibbs stated he did not intend to provoke the incident, asserting he was following NASCAR rules as the leading car in the pit area. Speaking to TNT Sports, Gibbs explained,
“By NASCAR’s rules, you know, I’m the lead car because I’m in the pit box past where the 6 is and I’m in front of them as well,” Gibbs explained (quoted by Zach Sturniolo, nascar.com). “We have these orange lines right there. As you can see, I’m sure they’ll show you after… where if I’m behind him, I have to go around those orange lines for it to be the rule. Going in, I have the right-of-way.”
Jeremy Bullins, Keselowski’s crew chief who stepped in to mediate, agreed that Gibbs acted correctly and affirmed Keselowski would have done the same in a similar situation. Joe Gibbs Racing’s Director of Competition, Chris Gabehart, also supported Gibbs’ claim, emphasizing that the driver had the right of way and that the incident involved a very tight space where McClurkin prematurely moved in.
