NASCAR: 3 drivers who are the future faces of the sport
By Randy Smith
NASCAR faces to watch: No. 2 – Ty Gibbs
Ty Gibbs has already become a name to watch on Saturdays in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. After winning four races in his part-time debut season, the 19-year-old has built upon that total with five wins so far in his first full season.
And now he has now shown his raw talent in the Cup Series. In addition to being a championship favorite in the Xfinity Series, Gibbs has been filling in for 23XI Racing’s Kurt Busch, who is currently out with an injury. In just four starts, he has already scored a top 10 finish at Michigan International Raceway.
With Kyle Busch’s status beyond this year unknown, the possibility of Gibbs taking over the #18 Toyota at his grandfather’s Cup team in 2023 is becoming a stronger possibility. But whether he moves to the #18 Toyota or spends another year in the #54 Toyota, Gibbs stands out as the premier Toyota driver for the foreseeable future.
With Joe Gibbs as the owner of Toyota’s top team, Ty’s future in the sport will be heavily tied to the manufacturer. He has had a partnership with them throughout his racing career, and that won’t change anytime soon. Youth and success are on his side, and the Charlotte, North Carolina native has already proven his worth.
If Gibbs joins the Cup Series next season, he’ll be the youngest TRD driver, and with veterans such as Martin Truex Jr. having already hinted at retirement, Denny Hamlin in an ownership role, and Busch possibly shifting to another manufacturer, the move to a younger face will be needed. Based on family ties and on-track performance, Gibbs fits the bill.