Ty Gibbs Claps Back at Critics After Bristol Win

Gibbs shuts down claims he skipped competition meetings, says he's 'been the same the whole time'

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:06am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic energy and movement of a NASCAR race, with sharp planes of color representing the cars and drivers in competition.Ty Gibbs' first career Cup Series win at Bristol showcases his raw talent and ability to silence his critics with a dominant performance.Bristol Today

Ty Gibbs, the grandson of NASCAR team owner Joe Gibbs, earned his first career Cup Series victory at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday. Gibbs addressed his critics after the race, saying he doesn't 'care' what they say and that he's 'been the same the whole time' in response to claims he was given 'differential treatment' and didn't attend team meetings.

Why it matters

Gibbs has faced heightened scrutiny as a young driver in one of the top rides in NASCAR, and his first career win comes after a difficult start to the 2026 season. The victory and his response to his critics will only increase the spotlight on the 23-year-old as he looks to build on this breakthrough performance.

The details

Gibbs outdueled Ryan Blaney and Kyle Larson in overtime to capture his first career Cup Series win in his 131st start. The victory came after Gibbs struggled to begin the 2026 season, leading to changes atop his pit box. Former Joe Gibbs Racing competition director Chris Gabehart had claimed in court filings that Gibbs was given 'differential treatment' and not held to 'the same meeting attendance standards' as others on the team, but Gibbs dismissed those allegations.

  • Ty Gibbs earned his first career Cup Series victory on April 13, 2026 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
  • Gibbs had failed to win in the first 130 starts of his Cup Series career prior to the Bristol victory.

The players

Ty Gibbs

The 23-year-old driver is the grandson of NASCAR team owner Joe Gibbs and competes full-time in the Cup Series for Joe Gibbs Racing.

Chris Gabehart

The former competition director at Joe Gibbs Racing who made claims in court filings about Ty Gibbs receiving 'differential treatment' and not being held to the same standards as others on the team.

Tyler Allen

Ty Gibbs' crew chief, who called the shots for the No. 54 team when Gibbs earned his first career Cup Series victory.

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What they’re saying

“'I don't care. Something else to focus on, I guess. I guess today they're going to have to focus on something else.'”

— Ty Gibbs, NASCAR Cup Series Driver

“'Obviously people are going to say false things about how I wasn't present in meetings. I've been the same the whole time, just to clarify that.'”

— Ty Gibbs, NASCAR Cup Series Driver

“'Yeah, I think Ty needed this. We both needed this. We're a team. We both needed this confidence boost. I've been saying forever when he gets one, he's going to get a lot. It's just huge for the team, his confidence. It's been a really good start to the year.'”

— Tyler Allen, Crew Chief

What’s next

Ty Gibbs will look to build on his first career Cup Series victory as he continues to compete for the championship in 2026. His performance and relationship with his crew chief Tyler Allen will be closely watched after the team made a change atop the pit box earlier in the season.

The takeaway

Ty Gibbs' first career Cup Series win at Bristol comes after a difficult start to the 2026 season and amid heightened scrutiny over his status as the grandson of a NASCAR legend. His ability to overcome adversity and silence his critics with a dominant performance shows the 23-year-old's potential as he looks to establish himself as a top driver in the sport.