Ty Gibbs is set to honor the memory of four-year-old Jace Kinley Thompson this weekend at the Bass Pro Shops Night Race in Bristol, the cutoff event for the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs Round of 16. Joe Gibbs Racing revealed that Gibbs’ No. 54 Toyota Camry XSE will carry Jace’s name as a tribute during this significant race.
The tribute was announced on Instagram by Joe Gibbs Racing in collaboration with the team’s official account jgr54team and the Warrior Jace Foundation, an organization created by Jace’s family to support DIPG research. This is Gibbs’ first season competing in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, adding special meaning to the gesture.
Remembering Jace Kinley Thompson and His Impact
Jace Kinley Thompson was described as a joyful child who loved simple pleasures such as pancakes, nature, the beach, and anything with wheels. Tragically, he was diagnosed at four years old with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and incurable brain cancer. Despite his illness, Jace faced his battle with courage and brought inspiration to those around him.
Jace passed away at five, but his family established the Warrior Jace Thompson Foundation to raise awareness and fund vital research into DIPG, a disease that receives scant government support. Joe Gibbs Racing highlighted the significance of this tribute in their statement, saying,
“As Jace’s name rides along at Bristol this Saturday, we remember his courage, his light, and his legacy — and we race for a future where no child has to face DIPG.”
This weekend’s event is critical, as the race at Bristol will eliminate four drivers from the playoffs, deciding who advances further toward the championship.
Playoff Dynamics and Ty Gibbs’ Competition
The NASCAR Cup Series confirmed that the full roster of 36 chartered teams will compete at Bristol, along with three additional open entries, forming a 39-car field. Ty Gibbs will take his place among his Joe Gibbs Racing teammates, including Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, and Christopher Bell, all aiming to move forward in the playoffs.
Joe Gibbs Reflects on Ty Gibbs’ Performance at Darlington
Looking back to the Cook Out Southern 500 held at Darlington Raceway on August 31, 2025, Ty Gibbs finished in 22nd place. Joe Gibbs, the team owner, shared insights about the race during an interview with ASAP Sports after the event. The weekend had promising moments for Joe Gibbs Racing, with teammates securing strong starting positions: Hamlin on the pole, Briscoe in second, and Bell in seventh.
Ty Gibbs began the race from 16th, trailing Hamlin’s qualifying time by over four-tenths of a second. Throughout stage one, Gibbs advanced to 12th place, but stage two proved challenging as he slipped to 19th. Ultimately, he completed the race in 22nd position after 367 laps.
Joe Gibbs emphasized the team’s balanced strategy, aiming to equip each driver effectively for playoff success while encouraging progress for the No. 54 car. He noted,
“You really look at it; all four of our cars are different stories. You go into the Playoffs with three of ‘em being in, which is awesome. Obviously, a huge focus is on that, getting a chance for them to advance,”
Gibbs also highlighted that Ty’s primary goal remains securing his first Cup Series victory, a pivotal milestone for his career. Meanwhile, the Southern 500 yielded a major victory for Chase Briscoe, who made history by becoming the first driver since Greg Biffle to win back-to-back races at Darlington.
Significance of the Tribute and Upcoming Challenges
The Ty Gibbs Bristol tribute race serves not only as a heartfelt homage to Jace Kinley Thompson’s bravery but also raises awareness about DIPG, offering hope for future advancements against this devastating disease. The upcoming race at Bristol represents a critical moment for Gibbs and his teammates as they strive to advance in the fiercely competitive NASCAR playoffs.
As the field compiles for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, all eyes will be on the drivers maneuvering through the high-stakes cutoff event, with the tribute carrying emotional weight for Gibbs and the entire Joe Gibbs Racing team. This display of remembrance blends the world of motorsports with a call to support childhood cancer research, potentially inspiring fans and competitors alike.
