Ty Gibbs continues to make waves in the NASCAR Cup Series, showcasing significant progress in his young career. This year, he achieved two poles, 12 top-10 finishes, and eight top-fives—each marking career highs. Most notably, he cracked the playoffs for the first time. From his early days in the ARCA Menards Series, where he earned six wins in 2020, to his current Cup Series success, Ty Gibbs’ journey reflects remarkable growth. At the core of this progress is the influence of his late father, Coy Gibbs, a man whose legacy remains deeply felt in NASCAR.
Coy Gibbs: A Lasting Influence
Coy Gibbs had a brief but notable racing career in the Busch Series and Truck Series, but he left a much larger mark as an owner at Joe Gibbs Racing and as a father. His upbringing of Ty Gibbs emphasized discipline, humility, and preparation.
Coy’s diverse background included playing college football at Stanford University from 1991 to 1994 and serving as an assistant coach under his father, Joe Gibbs, during his NFL tenure. However, Coy shifted his focus entirely to his son when Ty showed interest in racing. From teaching Ty the fundamentals of late-model racing under the guidance of blue-collar racer Greg Marlow to instilling the mental toughness required for NASCAR, Coy was instrumental in shaping his son’s path.
Unfortunately, Coy passed away in 2022, just hours after Ty clinched the Xfinity Series Championship, a bittersweet moment in the family’s racing legacy.
Ty Gibbs Pays Tribute to His Father
To honor his late father on what would have been Coy’s 52nd birthday, Ty Gibbs shared a heartfelt Instagram post. The post included a blurry video of Ty running to embrace his father after a race win and a touching family photo. Accompanying the post, Ty wrote:
“Happy birthday pops. Love ya.”
Coy Gibbs passed away in his sleep on November 6, 2022, and the family has kept details of his passing private.
This year, Ty has carried his father’s lessons onto the track, with standout performances including five top-10 finishes in the first six races and leading 195 laps during that span. His best showing came during the spring race at Bristol, where he led 137 laps. Coy’s teachings about discipline continue to resonate. As Coy once said:
“If you want to compete in any sport, any athletics, you’ve got to be disciplined… You have to get hardened. That’s what I wanted him to have. I wanted him to have his voice and understand that you don’t have to just listen to the crew chief or someone about the car. If you don’t like it, you need to voice your opinion and change it.”
NASCAR Community Remembers Coy Gibbs
The NASCAR community has rallied to honor Coy Gibbs, celebrating his legacy and contributions. Coy not only played a key role in Joe Gibbs Racing but also helped establish Joe Gibbs Racing Motocross in 2007. His guidance shaped Ty into a determined and competitive driver, even defending his son amid criticism for aggressive driving in 2022.
Notable names in the NASCAR world shared tributes:
- Riley Herbst, Rajah Caruth, and Marissa Deegan (mother of Hailie Deegan) left heart emojis in the comments.
- Taylor Gray, JGR’s No. 54 Xfinity driver, expressed his admiration:
“CG’s the man ❤️”
- Noah Gragson, who once criticized Ty after losing the 2022 Xfinity Championship, also shared a heart emoji, showing respect for Coy.
- Rico Abreu, a 2014 USAC National Midget Series champion, commented:
“Thinking about y’all my friend. 🙏🏻”
- Brian Deegan, motocross legend, added his tribute:
“❤️🙏”
Even NASCAR fans joined in, praising Coy’s role in shaping Ty’s career and character. One fan commented:
“I can see that your dad definitely helped shape you into the man you are. I’m sure he’s looking down happily watching you race! Happy Birthday to Coy! 🥳🎉”
Another added:
“Happy birthday to ya pops, he raised a real one 💯”
A Legacy That Endures
Two years after his passing, Coy Gibbs’ memory remains alive and celebrated. His influence on Ty’s career and the broader NASCAR community is undeniable. As Ty Gibbs continues to excel in the Cup Series, Coy’s legacy as a father, mentor, and NASCAR figure remains evergreen.
