"I really miss that": Chili Bowl debutant Ty Gibbs remembers childhood times with father ahead of his maiden race

Ahead of his Chili Bowl Nationals debut, NASCAR Cup Series driver Ty Gibbs reflected on childhood memories with his late father, Coy. The driver of the #54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota tragically lost his father on November 6, 2022, a day after winning the Xfinity Series championship.

In an interview via FloRacing, Gibbs was asked about what the experience of competing in his first Chili Bowl Nationals has been like. The 22-year-old was elated when describing the experience so far and added it reminds him of his early days of racing.

Gibbs continued, saying he grew up around racing similar to what the Chili Bowl Nationals offer, such as Supercross, alongside his dad. The grandson of car owner Joe Gibbs said he misses those days but is enjoying living it out in the present day through the Chili Bowl Nationals.

"I've had so much fun," Gibbs said. "Thanks to Monster Energy for coming onboard with this. This is super cool. Really cool experience. I was definitely smiling a lot, but trying to stay focused and just enjoy the whole thing. It's been such a cool environment. Racing with Chad is really fun. I enjoy being here. I grew up around the Supercross world and racing all that with my dad. I really miss that, so it's fun to come back here. This kinda gives me the same feel. It's always fun playing in the dirt, too." [0:59 onwards]

Ty Gibbs is one of five active Cup Series drivers competing in this week's Chili Bowl Nationals. The North Carolina native will be joined by Kyle Larson, Kyle Busch, Christopher Bell, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. as those who will represent the Cup Series in the event. Retired NASCAR drivers such as Dave Blaney and Tony Stewart will also compete in the event.

Ty Gibbs finished a career-best 15th in the 2024 Cup Series season

Ty Gibbs (54) during practice for the NASCAR Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. - Source: Imagn

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season was a career-defining year for Ty Gibbs amid his second full-time Cup Series campaign. Gibbs wheeled the #54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota into his first-ever playoffs and finished a career-best 15th in the points standings.

While he failed to win a race, Gibbs impressed throughout the season as he posted 12 top 10s and eight top fives. He also sat on the pole position twice.

Prior to the Cup, Gibbs ran a part-time Xfinity Series slate in 2021 and won four races across 18 starts. He then moved to full-time Xfinity Series competition in 2022 and won seven races and the championship.

Ty Gibbs is the son of the late Coy Gibbs, who competed in the Xfinity Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races from 2000-2003. Ty's grandfather, Joe, owns JGR and is a former Super Bowl-winning football coach for the Washington Commanders.