Kyle Petty has openly questioned Ty Gibbs’ ongoing role in the NASCAR Cup Series, especially after Denny Hamlin’s visible frustration with the No. 54 Toyota driver during the recent race at New Hampshire. Petty implied that Gibbs’ position in the Cup might rely heavily on his family connection to Joe Gibbs Racing rather than his performance on the track. This controversy highlights the challenges Ty Gibbs faces as he attempts to solidify his career amid heightened expectations.
Ty Gibbs, who is the grandson of Joe Gibbs, the team owner, made a remarkable debut in the Xfinity Series, clinching the 2022 championship in his rookie year with seven victories and 23 top-10 finishes. Following that strong start, he moved up to compete full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series last year. Despite his promising background and family ties, Gibbs has yet to secure a win in over 100 Cup starts, though he has reached the top five more than 15 times, including four times this season.
Denny Hamlin’s frustration became evident during the first race of the Round of 12 on Sunday when he found himself repeatedly blocked by Gibbs, who is the only Joe Gibbs Racing driver not in the playoffs this season. Their on-track tension escalated when Hamlin bumped Gibbs’ car, spinning him into the wall. Hamlin vented his annoyance over the team radio, calling it, “This is some teammate b******t,” as reported by Jeff Gluck. This incident has intensified the debate over Gibbs’ future in the sport.
Kyle Petty Critiques Ty Gibbs’ Position and Performance in the Cup Series
During a Monday live podcast of PNR’s Fast Talk, Kyle Petty drew comparisons between Gibbs’ early career and his own, expressing doubts about the young driver’s ability to justify his current seat at Joe Gibbs Racing. Petty argued that the team should consider moving on from Gibbs, stating that his continued presence is holding back others who could achieve Cup victories.
“Someone of a higher authority should have said, ‘Just let him go, Ty,'” Petty said (Timestamp: 25:40). “You’re holding him up, because he was holding him up at that time. The frustration that Ty feels by dominating the Xfinity series and being an also-ran in the Cup series, because he’s just taking up space. He’s taking up a ride that people used to win in that car, and he’s not winning it.”
Petty further suggested that Gibbs’ time in the Cup Series should be limited if his performance does not improve soon, implying this could be his final year without notable success.
“This is his last year. If he’s run three years, he hadn’t done any more.”
Experience Deficit and Lessons Learned After New Hampshire Incident
Kyle Petty echoed Denny Hamlin’s frustrations during the race, highlighting that Gibbs still appears to be inexperienced in managing Cup Series competition. Petty suggested that Gibbs’ strong performance in the Xfinity series did not fully prepare him for the challenges of the top-tier NASCAR level, where racing tactics and patience are critical.
“Ty, I believe, in a lot of ways, is still learning how to race, and Denny gave him a lesson yesterday,” Petty said (Timestamp: 28:00). “I’m not saying it was the right lesson, but Denny taught him a lesson yesterday.”
The race outcomes reflected their respective performances: Hamlin finished 12th and maintained a 28-point lead above the playoff cutoff, while Gibbs ended the race in 35th place.
Background on Ty Gibbs and His NASCAR Journey
Ty Gibbs entered the NASCAR scene with considerable promise thanks to his impressive rookie Xfinity season, where he quickly became a dominant competitor. His championship run included seven race wins and multiple top-10 finishes, signaling potential for future success in the Cup Series. However, he has yet to convert that momentum into victories at the highest level despite numerous opportunities and extensive starts.
His family connection to Joe Gibbs Racing has provided a platform few drivers receive, yet it has also placed additional pressure on him to prove his merit beyond hereditary advantage. Observers like Kyle Petty suggest that without those family ties, Gibbs’ chance to remain in the Cup Series might already have concluded.
Implications for Ty Gibbs and NASCAR’s Competitive Landscape
The ongoing discussion surrounding Ty Gibbs highlights a broader concern within NASCAR about how talent development and team dynamics intersect with legacy and opportunity. Gibbs’ struggles raise questions about whether family connections inadvertently delay challenging necessary transitions, either for the individual driver or the team strategy.
Kyle Petty’s commentary adds weight to the notion that performance remains the most important criterion in NASCAR, regardless of background. The incident at New Hampshire serves as a reminder of the intense competitiveness in the Cup Series and how experience can either elevate or hamper a driver’s career progression.
As the season advances toward the playoffs, Gibbs’ role with Joe Gibbs Racing will likely be under heavier scrutiny. How he responds to this pressure and improves his results could determine his longevity in the Cup Series. Meanwhile, teammates like Denny Hamlin continue to push hard for victories, underscoring the drive for success that defines the sport.
Fast Talk presented by Toyota | September 22, 2025 https://t.co/8A6e2X1raf
— PRN (@PRNlive) September 22, 2025
Denny Hamlin, still unable to get past Ty Gibbs: "This is some teammate bullshit."
"Copy that. (Chris) Gayle and I were talking about it on (Channel) 2."
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) September 21, 2025
