On August 31, 2025, NASCAR team owner Joe Gibbs discussed his team’s performance after the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, focusing on Ty Gibbs’ NASCAR first win quest. Gibbs highlighted the challenges and ambitions tied to his driver’s progress as well as the strength of his team in a Toyota-dominated race weekend.
At Darlington Raceway, Joe Gibbs Racing’s presence was prominent, with Denny Hamlin securing the pole position and Chase Briscoe starting second. Christopher Bell qualified seventh, while Ty Gibbs was the only JGR driver outside the top ten, beginning the race in 16th place, 0.43 seconds behind Hamlin. Throughout the stages, Gibbs showed fluctuating performance—improving to 12th in stage one, dropping to 19th in stage two, and finishing 22nd after the full 367 laps.
When asked about plans for Ty Gibbs, Joe Gibbs expressed a clear focus on winning. Gibbs emphasized the importance of securing a first victory for the #54 car this season, calling it a “huge deal.” He explained how the team collaboration shifts from the shop, where everyone works closely, to more independent efforts during races, with drivers sharing valuable information.
“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.” —Joe Gibbs, Team Owner
“For the 54, we’re trying to win the first race, so that’s a huge deal. There’s a lot each week when we go to the racetrack. We kind of all work together at the shop. When we get to the racetrack, it pretty much divides up, everybody is kind of on their own. We still share some information,” —Joe Gibbs, Team Owner
Chase Briscoe secured victory at the Cook Out Southern 500, making history as the first driver since Greg Biffle to win consecutive Southern 500 races. His teammate Denny Hamlin, who started on pole, finished seventh. Meanwhile, Ty Gibbs came in 22nd and Christopher Bell ended at 29th place, underscoring the varying outcomes within the team’s lineup.
Joe Gibbs Shares Insights on NASCAR’s Evolution and His Fanbase‘s Expectations
Earlier in 2025, Joe Gibbs reflected on NASCAR’s current landscape during a conversation with former Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick on the Happy Hour podcast. As the owner of a team that debuted in the NASCAR Cup Series at the 1992 Daytona 500, Gibbs highlighted his commitment to maintaining competitive excellence and rewarding top talent amid the series’ updates, including the Gen 7 car introduction.
Over its history, Joe Gibbs Racing has amassed 223 wins, 970 top-five finishes, 1,591 top-ten finishes, and 165 pole positions across 3,279 starts. The team currently fields four full-time Cup drivers: Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, Ty Dillon, and Chase Briscoe.
“We went Gen 7, so that is definitely a different wrinkle. But to me, I think our sport here—here’s what I think about our sport. I hope that we’ll continue with the idea of being (that) we want to reward the best team and the best driver every single weekend. That is what our fans want. They want to see, they know how hard it is, and they want to see somebody for the weekend challenge us. So anything that kind of holds us back on any of that, I’m, you know, I’m hoping that we stay focused on, because it is we all in pro sports look at something.” —Joe Gibbs, Team Owner
Presently, Chase Briscoe leads the NASCAR Cup Series points standings with 2,070 points, narrowly ahead of teammate Denny Hamlin’s 2,067. Christopher Bell ranks tenth with 2,035 points, while Ty Gibbs is positioned 20th with 558 points, reflecting his ongoing pursuit of that crucial first victory.
Ty Gibbs’ First Win Search: A Vital Step for JGR’s Season Ambitions
Ty Gibbs’ campaign to secure his NASCAR first win remains a pivotal goal not only for him but also for Joe Gibbs Racing’s ambition this season. Despite fluctuations in race performance, Gibbs’ ability to build speed and experience is crucial for his advancement in NASCAR’s fiercely competitive environment. The team’s collective approach at the shop supports individual improvements as drivers prepare to face high-pressure race situations on their own.
Joe Gibbs’ emphasis on winning that breakthrough race symbolizes how essential it is for Ty Gibbs to take the next step in his career trajectory. This milestone would not only boost the confidence of the young driver but also reinforce the strength and depth of JGR’s driver roster as it chases success in the playoffs and beyond.
With Chase Briscoe’s strong performance leading the Cup Series and veteran drivers like Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell consistently competitive, Ty Gibbs’ first win remains a highly anticipated moment that could reshape the dynamics within one of NASCAR’s powerhouse teams. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the next races unfold.
