Ty Gibbs Cup Series performance is on the rise as Joe Gibbs Racing’s Chris Gabehart adopts a more direct role with Gibbs and the No. 54 team, shifting strategies approaching the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Gabehart’s active involvement comes as Ty Gibbs seeks his first Cup win and improvement after earlier season struggles.
Gabehart Guides Gibbs with Fresh Approach at Joe Gibbs Racing
Joe Gibbs Racing made a decisive adjustment when Chris Gabehart, the team’s director of competition, became more involved with Ty Gibbs and the No. 54 crew. This past weekend in Atlanta, Gabehart acted as the race strategist while perched atop the pit box, coordinating closely with crew chief Tyler Allen. Gabehart’s radio communication and strategic planning were highlighted during the EchoPark Speedway race, where Gibbs led 32 laps before finishing 14th—a notable step forward considering the team’s earlier difficulties in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.
The team is feeling pressure to achieve that elusive first Cup Series victory for Ty Gibbs, though improved speed and performance in recent races serve as positive indicators. As Dustin Long of NBC Sports noted, these changes come at a crucial time with the playoffs fast approaching and the margin for error shrinking.
Kevin Harvick Highlights Growth and Final Steps Needed
Veteran driver Kevin Harvick observed marked progress in Ty Gibbs Cup Series performance over the last several months, attributing much of it to the structural changes and Gabehart’s influence.
I think with Ty, it’s improved a lot over the last two or three months. They’ve had the speed to be able to win races. I think that just getting all the i’s dotted and the t’s crossed just to be able to finish that off and actually get to Victory Lane is the part they’re working on,
—Kevin Harvick, Former Cup Series Champion
Harvick pointed to the fine margins in the Cup Series, where crucial split-second decisions or errors can determine whether a team ends up celebrating or watching another driver take the lead. The emphasis is now on refining execution to turn strong runs into wins.
I think Joe Gibbs Racing is just looking for that last little crumb now that they’ve got the 54’s performance back to where everybody expects it to be, now what’s that last piece of the puzzle to push it over the edge. Having Chris Gabehart there helping make decisions is going to put it into a position that brings a lot of experience to a very young team.
—Kevin Harvick, Former Cup Series Champion
Chris Gabehart’s Winning Pedigree Boosts Young Team
Chris Gabehart brings a track record of success to his new role. Before becoming director of competition at Joe Gibbs Racing heading into 2025, he worked alongside Denny Hamlin as crew chief. Their partnership spanned six seasons, producing 22 Cup victories—matching the win tally of successful duos like Kyle Larson and Cliff Daniels. Under Gabehart, Hamlin reached the Championship 4 three times and consistently ranked in the top five in season standings, underscoring the expertise Gabehart now supplies to the younger Gibbs-led team.
Positive Momentum Builds as Playoffs Near
Recently, Gibbs has found steadier form, finishing 14th or better in his past four starts. He notably challenged Shane van Gisbergen during the race in Mexico City, signaling the team‘s ability to compete at the front. Though a win is likely essential for securing a playoff berth, the latest results indicate that Gibbs and the No. 54 crew are closing the gap to the series’ elite.
Gabehart, speaking after the recent Atlanta event, credited Tyler Allen and his team for the turnaround, noting the narrow margins that have kept the group from victory.
Tyler and his team have been doing a great job,
—Chris Gabehart, Director of Competition, Joe Gibbs Racing
He cited Michigan and Mexico as races where the No. 54 car was in true contention, only to have circumstances like late cautions foil potential wins. Atlanta and Pocono also revealed aggressive, but ultimately upended, pit strategies that could have altered the results.
Really, three out of the last four weeks we’ve been at least within shouting distance of a win with this car. It’s nothing about the job that this team has been doing. It’s taking all your resources that are available to you and trying to get the last car in the playoffs.
—Chris Gabehart, Director of Competition, Joe Gibbs Racing
The consistent push for improvement is evident, with the leadership of both Gabehart and Allen coming at a pivotal time for Gibbs’ campaign.
What Gabehart’s Guidance Means for Ty Gibbs Moving Forward
The synergy between Ty Gibbs, crew chief Tyler Allen, and strategist Chris Gabehart has injected the No. 54 team with renewed focus and competitive edge. With Joe Gibbs Racing leveraging Gabehart’s deep well of experience and race strategy, Gibbs is emerging as a more formidable presence ahead of the playoff cutoff. The team’s trajectory hints at a potential breakthrough if execution matches the evident speed.
As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season heads deeper toward the playoffs, all eyes are on whether these changes can translate to Gibbs’ first win and a shot at the championship. With close calls turning into consistent runs at the front, the combination of youthful driving and veteran strategy could be the key to realizing both short-term victories and long-term success for Ty Gibbs and Joe Gibbs Racing.
