Championship weekend is a time of reflection for Joe Gibbs

In Avondale, Arizona, car owner Joe Gibbs is preparing for a bittersweet return to Phoenix Raceway one year after the sudden death of his son Coy. The tragic loss occurred on November 6, immediately after celebrating his son Ty Gibbs’ Xfinity Series championship victory. Coy Gibbs, aged 49, left behind cherished memories that will help fill the void for his family this weekend.

Reflecting on the upcoming race, Joe Gibbs expressed, “There’s going to be a mix of remembering the good times and the joy Coy experienced that night. Heather, Coy’s wife, shared that it was the happiest she had ever seen him, with all the success on the racetrack.”

When Ty Gibbs clinched the Xfinity crown a year ago, his father Coy expressed immense pride and unwavering support, saying, “I’m definitely proud of him. … I’ve always got his back as his father.” Notably, Coy played a significant role in the family’s Supercross and Motocross team from 2008-2020. Following the passing of his brother J.D., Coy took on additional responsibilities as vice chairman and chief operating officer of Joe Gibbs Racing’s NASCAR operation.

Coy’s own racing career included competing in NASCAR’s Truck Series from 2000-2002 and in the Xfinity Series from 2002-2003. He participated in a total of 97 races across both series and played a pivotal role in guiding Ty Gibbs’ own racing journey.

For Joe Gibbs Racing, returning to Phoenix after a year brings forth a flood of emotions and cherished memories. Denny Hamlin, a driver for the organization, acknowledges the potential impact on Ty Gibbs, stating, “I can’t get into Ty’s mind or anything like that, but certainly it has to have some sort of effect. I think he does a really good job of focusing on his job. Obviously, the organization looks a lot different now compared to a year ago. I can only try to sympathize and empathize.”

Although Ty Gibbs does not publicly discuss his father’s passing, he is present in Phoenix and will be competing in Sunday’s race, starting from the 11th position. Coy’s unexpected death stunned the NASCAR community and occurred on the morning of the Cup title race, coincidentally at the same age his brother J.D. passed away in January 2019 after battling a degenerative neurological disease.

Christopher Bell, the lone Joe Gibbs Racing driver competing for a championship last year, recollects the emotional rollercoaster, stating, “Last year was just a whirlwind of emotions. Going into my first Championship 4, I was filled with excitement and happiness. However, it quickly flipped on Sunday morning.”

Race morning, the team officials gathered with everyone at the track to share the devastating news of Coy’s passing. “All the management, crew chiefs, and personnel came together, offering support and deciding that the best way to honor Coy’s memory was to strive for victory,” shared crew chief Adam Stevens.