NASCAR Insiders Believe Ty Gibbs Will Win Another Cup Race in 2026

NASCAR President Steve O'Donnell and industry experts say Gibbs has the momentum and confidence to earn another victory this season.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:20pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a NASCAR race, with the vibrant colors of the #54 car driven by Ty Gibbs breaking down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes.Ty Gibbs' first Cup Series victory at Bristol showcases his rising talent and the potential for more success in NASCAR's top division.Martinsville Today

After winning his first career Cup Series race at Bristol on Sunday, NASCAR President Steve O'Donnell and industry insiders Freddie Kraft and Tommy Baldwin believe 23-year-old Ty Gibbs will win another race in the 2026 season. They cited Gibbs' strong performance so far this year, his growing confidence, and the speed of his cars as reasons why he will likely find victory lane again before the end of the season.

Why it matters

Gibbs' first Cup win was a significant milestone in his young career, and the belief that he can build on that success and win again this season shows the high expectations surrounding the rising NASCAR star. As one of the sport's top young talents, another win would further cement Gibbs' status as a driver to watch in the years to come.

The details

Gibbs earned his first career Cup Series victory at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday, marking a breakthrough moment in his third full season in NASCAR's top division. Prior to the win, Gibbs had recorded 39 top-10 finishes and made the playoffs in 2024. This season, he's been consistently running up front, with four top-five finishes in the last five races.

  • Ty Gibbs won his first career Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday, April 14, 2026.
  • Gibbs has recorded 39 top-10 finishes in his Cup Series career so far.

The players

Steve O'Donnell

The President of NASCAR, who shared his belief that Gibbs will win another race this season.

Freddie Kraft

A NASCAR insider who said Gibbs' current momentum and fast cars make him a threat to win again soon.

Tommy Baldwin

A NASCAR veteran and insider who praised Gibbs' progression through the ranks and believes he is now hitting his stride in the Cup Series.

Ty Gibbs

The 23-year-old NASCAR Cup Series driver who earned his first career victory at Bristol on Sunday.

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What they’re saying

“I think he's run a lot up front this year. I think he's got the confidence to go out there and do it. I don't think it'll come easy, but I think he will win one more this year.”

— Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR President

“Fast cars and confidence can be a dangerous thing in this sport. It could come as soon as this week. ...He's going to be right in contention again this week.”

— Freddie Kraft, NASCAR Insider

“He's in the best equipment possible in the Cup Series, and it took him this long to win a race. But it shows you how tough this division is. And it shows you that the people you got to put together behind them, that the confidence level for the driver in order to do it.”

— Tommy Baldwin, NASCAR Veteran and Insider

What’s next

Gibbs will look to build on his first career Cup Series win this weekend at Martinsville Speedway, where he will try to earn another victory and solidify his status as a rising star in NASCAR.

The takeaway

Ty Gibbs' breakthrough win at Bristol has established him as a driver to watch in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. With the confidence and momentum he has shown so far, the industry experts believe he has the potential to win again before the year is out, further cementing his place among the sport's top young talents.