Joe Gibbs Racing Announces Key Leadership Moves for 2025
Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) has revealed significant changes to its competition and crew leadership as the team gears up for the 2025 NASCAR season. Among the highlights is the appointment of Tyler Allen as crew chief for Ty Gibbs and the No. 54 Cup Series team, marking Allen’s promotion after a successful stint in the Xfinity Series.
Tyler Allen Named Crew Chief for Ty Gibbs
Allen, who led JGR’s No. 20 Xfinity Series team to eight wins in 2024 and a runner-up finish in the owner’s championship, will oversee Gibbs’ team for his third season in the Cup Series. A seasoned engineer with seven years under Adam Stevens, Allen has been part of notable successes, including the 2019 Cup Series championship with Kyle Busch and five Championship 4 appearances (2017–2019 with Busch and 2022–2023 with Christopher Bell).
Reflecting on his new role, Allen expressed enthusiasm:
“It’s an honor to be named crew chief for Ty Gibbs and the 54 team as we head into the 2025 season. This opportunity has been a dream of mine since starting here at JGR 10 years ago, and I’m thankful for the support and guidance I’ve received from my mentors, teammates, and everyone along the way. Ty has shown a lot of speed and potential the last two years, and I look forward to building on that experience to get the 54 car in Victory Lane.”
Allen’s 2024 Xfinity season was marked by eight wins, 17 top-five finishes, and 22 top-10s. His collaboration with Gibbs at Charlotte Motor Speedway resulted in a ninth-place finish after leading 27 laps.
Gibbs, coming off a breakout second year in the Cup Series, secured eight top-fives, 12 top-10s, two poles, and a playoff spot while leading 417 laps.
Chris Gabehart Steps into Competition Director Role
On November 22, Chris Gabehart was announced as JGR’s new competition director, while Chris Gayle will transition to crew chief for Denny Hamlin and the No. 11 team.
Jason Ratcliff Returns to the Pit Box
With Allen’s promotion, veteran crew chief Jason Ratcliff will return to the pit box to lead Taylor Gray and the No. 54 Xfinity Series team. Ratcliff, a 24-year veteran, is the winningest crew chief in Xfinity Series history, boasting 57 wins, a 2009 Xfinity Series championship with Kyle Busch, and 801 starts across NASCAR’s national series.
Ratcliff shared his excitement about returning to trackside leadership:
“I’m thrilled to join Taylor and the 54 team for the 2025 season. After a year away from the track, I’m eager to return to the pit box every weekend. Taylor has the talent and determination to excel in NASCAR, and it’s our mission to help him achieve that success.”
In 2024, Ratcliff served as JGR’s team/driver coordinator for its Xfinity and ARCA Menards Series teams, further contributing to the organization’s development pipeline.
Joe Gibbs Praises Leadership Moves
Team owner Joe Gibbs highlighted the significance of these changes:
“Tyler Allen was successful at the Cup level with us while working under Adam Stevens and was impressive last season in the Xfinity Series, leading that 20 team to eight wins while working with a number of different drivers. We have an exciting young and talented team on the 54 car.
“It is also exciting to have Jason Ratcliff back on the pit box in the Xfinity Series to work with Taylor Gray next season. He has contributed so much to our organization over his career.”
These moves underline JGR’s commitment to fostering talent and maintaining its competitive edge across NASCAR’s premier series.
