Ty Gibbs has endured a challenging 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, failing to secure a win so far despite multiple strong finishes. The grandson of Joe Gibbs, racing under 23XI Racing, has managed nine top-ten and four top-five results, yet victory has eluded him. In response to these ongoing difficulties, Tyler Reddick has stepped forward to defend Ty Gibbs and provide insight into the complexities of succeeding at the Cup level.
While Ty Gibbs has yet to capture a Cup Series race win this year, he did claim the inaugural In-Season Tournament and its lucrative million-dollar prize. His best finish this season came with a third-place result at the recent Bristol Motor Speedway event. Tyler Reddick, who has climbed the NASCAR ranks himself to compete in the Cup Series, acknowledged the steep challenge Ty faces in elevating his performance to the highest level of stock car racing.
Challenges of Advancing from Trucks to the Cup Series
Tyler Reddick emphasized how racing in the Cup Series presents a far steeper challenge compared to the Truck Series, where he found considerable success. Reddick explained that winning races and contending for championships was more attainable in the truck division, but the Cup Series demands a greater focus on the smallest details and decision-making during races.
“The Cup Series is just really tough, obviously. When I ran the Trucks, I was able to win some races and even have a shot at the championship. The series worked out for me a couple of times. But when you take that last step up, all the little things matter so much more—the details, the decisions you have to make in the race car. They make all the difference.” Tyler Reddick said on the Door Bumper Clear podcast.
He further pointed out that not only Ty Gibbs but other relatively new Cup Series drivers face the challenge of adapting to this heightened level of competition. According to Reddick, many newcomers cannot even be considered rookies anymore, as some have competed for several years without claiming their first victory. He warned that the pressure involved in chasing success can wear drivers down if not managed carefully.
“It’s just tough, man. Not just Ty (Gibbs), but others too—you can’t even call some of them rookies anymore. Some have been doing this for a couple of years and are still trying to win that first race. This deal will eat away at you if you’re not careful.” Tyler Reddick added.
Strategies for Overcoming Difficult Weeks and Pressure
Tyler Reddick advised Ty Gibbs that rebounding after disappointing race weekends is vital to maintaining confidence and improving performance. He noted that the pressure to perform and win is intense for every Cup Series driver, and sustaining success amid fierce competition is especially difficult.
Reddick recommended returning to the fundamentals and reigniting the passion for racing as a way to reset and approach upcoming races with renewed focus. This mindset shift helps drivers avoid being overwhelmed by expectations and allows them to build momentum gradually.
“The pressure and the expectations are always there. As a driver, when you come into the Cup Series, you want to win races—but it’s extremely hard. It’s important, especially after tough weeks like the one we just experienced, to go back to the basics. Remind yourself why you love it, why you do it, and just kind of start over. The weight of it all—the expectations—can really eat away at you.” Tyler Reddick noted.
Outlook for Ty Gibbs and the Road Ahead
Despite missing the playoffs this season, Ty Gibbs retains a significant opportunity to prove himself in NASCAR, aided by the legacy and support of his grandfather, Joe Gibbs. With a 22-year-old driver showing flashes of strong potential, the focus will be on improving consistency and turning promising finishes into race wins. The 2026 season is set to be a crucial period for Gibbs as he aims to rebound and establish himself more firmly in the Cup Series.
Tyler Reddick’s defense highlights the intense pressure and steep learning curve facing young drivers today, underscoring the realities behind racing results that might otherwise be seen as purely disappointing. As Gibbs and others contend with these challenges, fans and insiders alike will watch to see how persistence and experience translate into future successes on the track.
