by The NASCAR world suffered a huge loss ahead of Sunday’s Cup Series championship.
Coy Gibbs, co-founder of Joe Gibbs Racing, died unexpectedly on Saturday night, the company announced on Sunday afternoon.
He was 49 years old. A cause of death was not immediately announced.
It is with great sadness that Joe Gibbs Racing confirms that Coy Gibbs (co-owner) went to God in his sleep last night. The family appreciates all thoughts and prayers and asks for privacy at this time.
— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) November 6, 2022
Gibbs, the son of co-owner Joe Gibbs and father of Xfinity Series winner Ty Gibbs, was at Phoenix Raceway on Saturday to witness his son’s championship run.
“I’ve always had his back as a father,” Coy said Saturday. “…Looking at it today just to see his determination…it definitely made me proud. My wife did it – we were both proud just because he struck out and did his job. If that’s what he wants to do for a living, he’ll learn how to do it.”
Hard to believe this picture was taken just last night. RIP Coy Gibbs. pic.twitter.com/AHuuoEGqiA
— Davey Segal (@DaveyCenter) November 6, 2022
A former Stanford football player and NFL assistant coach for Washington, Gibbs followed in his father’s footsteps and transitioned from football to the ranks of racing as a driver before moving to the boardroom as an executive.
MORE: Updates from the NASCAR Cup Series championship in Phoenix
Ty was scheduled to compete in Sunday’s Cup Series race, driving in the #23 car for 23XI Racing. However, when news of his father’s death broke, the company announced that Ty would not be racing. Xfinity Series driver Daniel Hemric will fill in for Ty in the #23 car.
23XI driver update for today at @phoenixraceway. #TeamToyota pic.twitter.com/N8XAPfAq02
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) November 6, 2022
The racing world sent its condolences to the Gibbs family and remembered Coy, whom longtime NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France described as a “true racer and friend.”
A statement from NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France on the death of Coy Gibbs. pic.twitter.com/Ja94LfO5C8
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 6, 2022
Words cannot describe this day. Today should be tough enough, but now it’s even more heartbreaking. Broken heart.
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) November 6, 2022
Today we will do what we don’t want to do, but we will unite as a family and run for the name on our chests. @JoeGibbsRacing
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) November 6, 2022
My heart and prayers are with the Gibbs family today.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr (@DaleJr) November 6, 2022
Everyone at Mars is devastated to hear of the death of Coy Gibbs. Our thoughts are with Coach, the Gibbs family and the entire JGR organization at this difficult time.
— M&M’S (@mmchocolate) November 6, 2022
https://t.co/vUFWd82MWJ pic.twitter.com/fFprTEZNBf
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) November 6, 2022
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) November 6, 2022
The racing world reacts to the unfortunate news of Coy Gibbs’ death.
Gibbs, father of Ty Gibbs, died at the age of 49. pic.twitter.com/AO3Capy3Io
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 6, 2022
A minute’s silence for Coy Gibbs 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/Y4eG1X26Gn
— NASCAR on TSN (@NASCARonTSN) November 6, 2022
Gibbs is survived by his wife Heather, sons Ty, Case, Jett and daughter Elle. His nephew Jackson will change tires for Christopher Bell’s championship car No. 20 in Sunday’s race.
Jackson Gibbs, Coy Gibbs’ nephew, still changes tires for Christopher Bell today. Here’s his helmet for today’s race: pic.twitter.com/Q6aC0fgwrs
— Clara Goodwin (@ClaraGoodwinTV) November 6, 2022
#NASCAR #world #mourns #passing #Coy #Gibbs #age #day #son #Gibbs #won #Xfinity #Series #title
