NASCAR fans tear up Ty Gibbs’ Jesus reference
A day after making a controversial move to win the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Martinsville Speedway, Ty Gibbs once again found himself in an awkward situation.
The 20-year-old driver came under fire from NASCAR fans after the win, which saw him spin Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Brandon Jones in the final lap of overtime. Fans mocked Gibbs by chanting “thanks, grandpa” saying he wouldn’t have such a high-caliber ride if he wasn’t related to team founder Joe Gibbs.
Take a look back at the fans who booed Gibbs on Saturday in Martinsville.
Fans chant “thanks, grandpa” to Ty Gibbs as he celebrates in victory lane. pic.twitter.com/bPGgePBGs8
— Jordan Bianchi (@jordan_bianchi) October 29, 2022
Gibbs did himself no favors Sunday when trying to explain the situation on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Speaking about the taunts and provocations targeted at him, Gibbs used a “Jesus was persecuted” analogy, never a good idea.
“Jesus was hated first and foremost by all men,” Gibbs said. “It’s a part […] Silence out of the crowd. That’s what you have to do as a professional athlete. … You can’t let other people’s opinions and thoughts drive your actions.”
💭 “Jesus was hated first and foremost among all people. That’s part of it […] silencing the crowd.”
🗣️ ON @SiriusXMNASCAR with @claireblanc, @TyGibbs Talk about being booed by fans following her #DeadOnTools250 victory @martinsvillesui. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/6Idulbkf8F
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) October 29, 2022
Gibbs’ comments did not sit well with NASCAR fans. One fan wasted no time trolling Gibbs in Martinsville, where the driver will compete in a Cup Series event on Sunday. The fan was dressed as Jesus and had a beard and held a sign that read, “Looking for Ty Gibbs.”
NASCAR fans also roasted the young driver on Twitter.
If I remember correctly Jesus turned the water into wine not his friend
— Aly Dawson (@alydawson14) October 29, 2022
The sign should have said: “Tye Gibbs, keep my name out of your mouth.”
— Paul Gornowski (@PGornowski) October 30, 2022
WWTD: What do you do?
— warrickroger (@WarrickRoger) October 30, 2022
You’ve won NASCAR Twitter for the day
— Benjamin A. White (@sidedrafting_) October 30, 2022
Braking:
Jesus is on site and looking for Ty Gibbs. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/TdIX6zGG9R
— Noah Lewis (@noah_lewis1) October 30, 2022
Ty should be parked for next week’s race Bubba is parked
— don_muss (@don_muss) October 30, 2022
[SiriusXM NASCAR Radio]Well if you are going to get VIPs on your run….
— Mark 🌻 (@srching4driver) October 30, 2022