Ty Gibbs penalized for dangerous pit road actions at Texas

Matthew T. Thacker/Nigel Kinrade Photo

    NASCAR announced Tuesday afternoon (September 27th, 2022) that Ty Gibbs will face a $75,000 fine after a dangerous move made in the No. 23 car, on pit road at Texas Motor Speedway. 23XI Racing will also be penalized by a docking of 25 owner points due to Gibbs’ actions.

The incident in question occurred part-way through Sunday’s “Autotrader EchoPark Automotive” 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. During a pit cycle, Ty Gibbs was traveling down pit road, when Ty Dillon exited his pit stall.

Dillon jumped out alongside Gibbs’ No. 23 machine, and actually made contact with the rookie driver. In retaliation, Ty Gibbs jerked his wheel left and bumped Ty Dillon back in the opposite direction.

Without control, the No. 42 machine of Ty Dillon then slid back towards the closest pit stall. That pit stall was occupied by the No. 17 of Chris Buescher, the No. 17 pit crew members and multiple NASCAR officials. Without intention, Dillon’s machine had put these individuals in danger. 

More importantly, Gibbs' actions had put these individuals in danger.

Ty Gibbs who was understandably upset, made a split second decision that could have seriously injured several crew members and NASCAR personnel. In reaction, NASCAR slams the young driver with a penalty.

Sunday's mishap would not be the first time Ty Gibbs has been penalized for unruly and dangerous behavior on pit road. Earlier this season, Gibbs was fined $15,000 for rear-ending Sam Mayer's No. 1 machine on pit road at Martinsville Speedway in an Xfinity Series event, before an eventual fist fight. 

Gibbs, being 19 years old certainly does not know all the ins-and-outs of the NASCAR Cup Series. With that being said, NASCAR will not allow ignorance to be an excuse for poor and dangerous behavior. Ty Gibbs plans to learn from this event, as he continues to fill the shoes of NASCAR Champion, Kurt Busch.

 

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