Ty Gibbs entered the NASCAR Cup Series in 2023 as a promising 20-year-old rookie, widely regarded as one of the sport’s most talented young drivers. Despite this early optimism, by late 2025, with over 100 starts, he has yet to secure his first career win, leaving many to question the reasons behind his stalled progression.
After reaching his first Cup Series playoff last season, the grandson of Joe Gibbs—Super Bowl-winning NFL head coach turned <a href="https://www.big14news.com/nascar/”>NASCAR team owner—has experienced a noticeable decline during his third year. This downturn has sparked discussions about the struggles Gibbs faces on the track and the factors contributing to his ongoing setbacks.
The Mental Hurdles Revealed at Watkins Glen
The recent Go Bowling at the Glen race at Watkins Glen International brought Gibbs’ difficulties into sharp relief. Approaching the critical final stage, Gibbs held a valuable inside top-10 position with fewer worn tires than drivers ahead of him, positioning him as a potential contender for victory. However, Shane van Gisbergen, equipped with fresher tires, quickly surged past Gibbs just laps after the restart, ultimately winning the race.
This moment triggered visible frustration from Gibbs, resulting in a tense exchange with Chris Gabehart, competition director for Joe Gibbs Racing and a key strategist helping crew chief Tyler Allen. Gibbs expressed his dissatisfaction bluntly, stating,
Image of: Ty Gibbs
“We’re (expletive) right now, so we’ve gotta do something different,”
—Ty Gibbs, driver. Gabehart responded firmly,
“You can call the strategy if you want, or we can keep rolling. But I would do the best I could to go as fast as I can.”
—Chris Gabehart, competition director.
Following this confrontation, Gibbs’ performance deteriorated rapidly. He quickly lost track position before the final scheduled pit stop, during which his car mishandled on the jack. Later in the race, the team made a desperate call to pit again as a last-ditch strategy, hoping for a caution to gain advantage. This plan failed, and Gibbs finished in a disappointing 33rd place.
Facing Pressure Within a Privileged NASCAR Legacy
Throughout his career, Gibbs has struggled with pressure, especially when confronted by adversity. As a driver raised within a wealthy team ownership family and equipped with significant resources, the difficulties of competing at NASCAR’s highest level have proved unexpectedly harsh for him. These obstacles have exposed weaknesses in his mental approach, raising questions about his resilience under stress.
Nevertheless, these challenges are not definitive judgments on Gibbs’ future. Instead, they highlight critical areas where he must grow, particularly in adapting to the relentless and unforgiving nature of Cup Series racing. Developing a stronger mental toughness will be essential for him to recover and thrive.
The Road Ahead for Ty Gibbs and Joe Gibbs Racing
Ty Gibbs’ issues at Watkins Glen illuminate a broader theme in his ongoing NASCAR struggles: learning to manage setbacks without losing focus. The tough exchange with Gabehart could serve as a pivotal moment, pushing Gibbs toward a more mature and composed mindset. The capacity to embrace such lessons will determine how effectively he navigates the inevitable ups and downs of his racing career.
As he moves forward, overcoming these mental battles will be crucial not only for Gibbs’ personal growth but also for maintaining the legacy associated with his family’s team. Success in NASCAR demands not just skill and equipment but the psychological resilience to handle pressure, adapt strategies, and remain steady during adversity. Gibbs’ ability to internalize these realities may ultimately shape the trajectory of his career.
