Ty Gibbs has faced a challenging start to the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season; his best finish in the first six races was a mere 16th place at Daytona. However, the 22-year-old driver has begun to shake off early-season disappointment, demonstrating an upward trajectory with finishes of 13th at Martinsville, ninth at Darlington, and third at Bristol.
At Talladega, Gibbs continued to show promise, being the only Toyota driver to qualify for the second round on the expansive 2.66-mile track. He managed to secure a respectable 10th place starting position for Sunday’s race, a noteworthy achievement amid a field dominated by competitors from other manufacturers.
While Gibbs was successfully navigating qualifying, an unexpected incident occurred that has drawn attention. During the first round of qualifications, as he was on the verge of elimination, the moment turned awkward when he approached a camera, pushed it aside, and asked, “What do you want?” before walking away to regroup behind a toolbox. The broadcast team caught the strange interaction, with Mike Joy commenting, “And the Gibbs cars right now all in one cluster…” and Clint Bowyer adding, “That’s amazing. Six one hundredths.”
This peculiar camera push isn’t just a one-time incident for Gibbs. Fans of the Joe Gibbs Racing driver recall similar behaviors in previous years, including a moment at the same Talladega track in 2022 when he pushed aside a camera while speaking with his grandfather and team owner, Joe Gibbs. Last year at Watkins Glen, he again exhibited this behavior, pushing a camera away while seated in his car.
The significance of Ty Gibbs’s awkward camera push at Talladega could indicate deeper tensions or frustrations for the young driver, who has attracted scrutiny and attention both on and off the track. Such moments can reflect the intense pressures drivers face, particularly as they navigate the highs and lows of a competitive racing season. As Gibbs continues to contend with these challenges, many are left wondering how his unique demeanor will affect his performances and relationships with fans and media moving forward.
