Ty Gibbs earns first NASCAR Cup win at Bristol

Beats out Larson and Blaney in overtime thriller

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:10am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the blurred motion and speed of a NASCAR race, with the cars and drivers dissolving into vibrant brushstrokes.Ty Gibbs' first career NASCAR Cup Series victory at Bristol Motor Speedway showcases the young driver's raw talent and the unbridled energy of stock car racing.Bristol Today

Ty Gibbs, the 24-year-old grandson of NASCAR Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs, earned his first career NASCAR Cup Series victory on Sunday at Bristol Motor Speedway. Gibbs outdueled Ryan Blaney and Kyle Larson in overtime to claim the checkered flag.

Why it matters

This marks a breakthrough win for the young Gibbs, who has long been touted as a rising star in the sport. The victory at the iconic Bristol short track will likely boost his profile and momentum as he continues to establish himself as a top competitor in the premier NASCAR series.

The details

Gibbs, driving for his grandfather's Joe Gibbs Racing team, was able to hold off a hard-charging Blaney and Larson in the closing laps of the race. The win comes in Gibbs' 131st career Cup Series start, as he finally broke through for his first career victory.

  • The race took place on Sunday, April 13, 2026 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee.

The players

Ty Gibbs

The 24-year-old NASCAR driver who earned his first career Cup Series victory at Bristol Motor Speedway, driving for his grandfather's team, Joe Gibbs Racing.

Ryan Blaney

The veteran NASCAR driver who finished second to Ty Gibbs at Bristol after a hard-fought battle in overtime.

Kyle Larson

The reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion who finished third behind Gibbs and Blaney at Bristol.

Joe Gibbs

The NASCAR Hall of Fame team owner and Ty Gibbs' grandfather, whose Joe Gibbs Racing team fielded the winning car.

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What they’re saying

“I was fine, just a frustrating day,”

— Ty Gibbs, NASCAR Driver

What’s next

Ty Gibbs will look to build on this first career victory as he continues his quest for a NASCAR Cup Series championship. His next race will be at Talladega Superspeedway on April 27th.

The takeaway

Ty Gibbs' breakthrough win at Bristol showcases the immense talent and potential of this young NASCAR driver. As the grandson of a Hall of Famer, the pressure has long been on Gibbs to perform, and this victory will only heighten expectations for him to become a consistent frontrunner in the Cup Series.