The 21-year-old took the lead in the race for over 50 laps but ultimately finished in third place at the end of the race.
Ty Gibbs (Via IMAGO)
The race in Phoenix on Sunday highlighted the dominance of the Toyotas. One of their drivers claimed victory in a thrilling battle against his teammates. However, JGR driver also had a standout performance as he secured a third-place finish, bringing him closer to his first cup victory. It was the best result of his Cup career so far.
The Toyotas were the frontrunners on race day, with five of their drivers leading for 50 or more laps in the scorching Arizona heat. The race seemed to be going in favor of the 21-year-old Gibbs, but he faced setbacks due to pitstop mishaps and race drama. Nevertheless, Gibbs managed to recover and finish in third place, achieving his personal best at Phoenix.
Gibbs had his sights set on his first win and believed it was just within reach. With his recent impressive performances, the 2021 Xfinity Series champion is optimistic about his chances. Fans around the world will be keeping a close eye on this young talent. Gibbs will be hoping to taste victory in Bristol next week after his successful weekend in Phoenix.
Last year, Gibbs joined the NASCAR Cup Series and had a disappointing race in Phoenix. He finished 21st at the 1-mile-long racetrack. However, this time around, things turned out very differently. After the race, Gibbs shared his thoughts on why this year’s race was a better experience for him.
The JGR driver explained that he felt comfortable in the first and last sections of the track but struggled in the middle section. However, the team was able to find a solution to the problem and engaged in a strategic battle that ultimately paid off.
Despite his impressive recovery in Phoenix, the North Carolina native will be aiming for more in Bristol. With his current form, the 21-year-old has secured two top-five finishes and three top-10 finishes, making him a strong contender for the title.