Gragson expressed his dislike for Gibbs, stating, “Just voicing my opinion, I don’t like him,” and described Gibbs’ actions as part of a pattern of aggressive behavior followed by apologies without lasting change. Noah Gragson has been vocal about his disdain for Ty Gibbs’ behavior, particularly after Gibbs’ aggressive move at Martinsville Speedway, where he spun teammate Brandon Jones out of the lead.
The 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway was more than just a battle for the title. It was a night that tested emotions, resilience, and sportsmanship in ways no one could have anticipated. Noah Gragson and Ty Gibbs entered the race as fierce rivals, but by the end of the weekend, the sport itself had been reminded of the fragile balance between triumph and tragedy.
From the highest victory to the deepest heartbreak, all in a matter of hours.
A Championship Overshadowed by Tragedy
Noah Gragson fought hard in the championship race, overcoming a mid-race setback to challenge Ty Gibbs in the closing laps. However, with 21 laps remaining, Gibbs made the decisive move and never looked back, securing his first Xfinity Series title.
Gragson had been outspoken in his criticism of Gibbs throughout the season, especially after Gibbs wrecked his own teammate, Brandon Jones, at Martinsville to secure his spot in the finale. But despite the lingering tension, Gragson put personal frustrations aside once the race ended.
“Losing the championship (in the Xfinity Series in 2022). I was a good loser, congratulating Ty Gibbs, and was very happy for him,” Gragson admitted. “There’s some (trash talk) I said before the race, but it was all just to be a mind game. I don’t want to see anybody get hurt or anybody to fail in life, but if you can get in your competition’s head and just have that little bit of advantage, that might be the difference maker although it wasn’t in Phoenix.”
Despite his disappointment, he acknowledged the victory was fair. “I was happy for Ty and he beat me straight up. … I was pissed, personally, but I’m proud I went over and shook his hand and congratulated him, because I know he went through some challenging times after that (Gibbs’ father, Coy, passed away hours later).”
The victory lane celebrations were short-lived. Just hours after securing his championship, Ty Gibbs faced an unimaginable loss; his father, Coy Gibbs, passed away in his sleep at 49. As co-owner and vice chairman of Joe Gibbs Racing, Coy had been instrumental in guiding his son’s career and was present at Phoenix Raceway to witness his triumph.
Joe Gibbs Racing released a statement confirming the heartbreaking news: “It is with great sorrow that Joe Gibbs Racing confirms that Coy Gibbs (co-owner) went to be with the Lord in his sleep last night. The family appreciates all the thoughts and prayers and asks for privacy at this time.”
For Joe Gibbs, this was a devastating blow. He had already lost his older son, J.D. Gibbs, to a degenerative neurological disease in 2019, at the age of 49. NASCAR held a moment of silence before the Cup Series finale at Phoenix, as the entire garage mourned the loss.
JGR driver Denny Hamlin, who had been mentored by J.D. Gibbs, acknowledged the impact of losing both brothers. The tragedy forced Ty Gibbs to step away from racing immediately. He had been scheduled to make his Cup Series debut with 23XI Racing the next day but was replaced by Daniel Hemric due to what the team initially called a “family emergency.”
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – AUGUST 27: Noah Gragson, driver of the #9 Bass Pro Shops/TrueTimber/BRCC Chevrolet, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Wawa 250 at Daytona International Speedway on August 27, 2021 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Coy Gibbs’ passing cast a shadow over what should have been a moment of celebration. Even those who had previously criticized Ty Gibbs recognized the personal weight of his loss. Gragson, who had openly feuded with Gibbs for much of the season, put their rivalry aside and offered his condolences, tweeting: “Prayers to the Gibbs family.”
Toyota Racing Development President David Wilson also spoke on the emotional impact within the NASCAR community. “Racing is a family and the relationships within the entire garage go so much deeper than on-track competition. Today, we lost a dear part of our family. The loss of Coy Gibbs is devastating to everyone at Toyota and TRD.”
The 2022 Xfinity Series finale became more than just a championship decider; it was a moment that underscored the reality of life beyond the track. Gragson’s ability to move past rivalry and acknowledge Gibbs’ pain showcased the deeper bonds within NASCAR.
Ty Gibbs will always be remembered as the 2022 Xfinity champion, but the moment will forever be tied to the tragedy that followed. And for Noah Gragson, it was a lesson in humility, sportsmanship, and understanding that, in racing, respect lasts far longer than any single race.
Beyond the Checkered Flag: Where Rivalries End and Respect Begins
While NASCAR thrives on high-intensity rivalries, some moments transcend competition, proving that respect among drivers goes beyond the checkered flag. Despite heated battles on the track, drivers often showcase sportsmanship once the engines are off, recognizing that they are part of the same racing family. Sometimes, even though they cannot mend it during their career, they mend it with realization after retirement, like Carl Edwards.
Throughout history, legends like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson, and Jeff Gordon have exemplified this balance. Despite their fierce on-track battles, they often congratulated each other on victory and showed mutual admiration in defeat. These moments remind fans that while aggression fuels the sport, sportsmanship cements its legacy.
Ty Gibbs’ path to the 2022 Xfinity Series championship wasn’t just about speed; it was marked by controversy. He secured his spot in the Championship Four after spinning out his own teammates, but when the title was on the line at Phoenix Raceway, Gibbs delivered a performance that couldn’t be ignored.
Taking the lead with 21 laps to go, Gibbs held off a hard-charging Noah Gragson to clinch the victory and his first Xfinity Series title. Despite the triumph, the young driver knew his actions leading up to the finale had left a stain on his reputation.
“I know what I did last week was unacceptable, and I apologize once again,” Gibbs admitted after the race, via NASCAR.com. “It was unacceptable because we could have had two shots to win this deal, and it was stupid from an organization standpoint. I will sit here and tell you I’m sorry as much as I can, but it is not going to fix it. I’ve got to fix my actions.“
His words reflected both remorse and a realization that winning a championship doesn’t erase past mistakes. While his talent on the track was undeniable, the backlash from his aggressive tactics at Martinsville showed that earning respect in NASCAR is just as important as winning races.
Noah Gragson’s gesture toward Ty Gibbs after losing the 2022 Xfinity Series championship is another testament to this. Despite his earlier criticism of Gibbs, Gragson shook his rival’s hand and acknowledged his victory, setting aside personal disappointment. Given that Gibbs’ father, Coy Gibbs, passed away just hours later, Gragson’s act carried even more weight, highlighting the importance of empathy in the racing world.
Even drivers known for their fiery tempers, like Kyle Busch, have spoken about the need for accountability and professionalism beyond the track. While Busch has criticized younger drivers for lacking on-track respect, he has also acknowledged that maintaining professionalism off the track is crucial for sustaining NASCAR’s culture of competition and camaraderie.
These moments remind fans that while rivalries bring excitement, the foundation of NASCAR lies in a shared passion for racing. The ability to separate competition from personal respect is what defines the sport’s greatest drivers, ensuring that even in the most intense moments, the NASCAR garage remains a close-knit community.
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