A day after pulling off a controversial move to win the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Martinsville Speedway, Ty Gibbs again found himself in an awkward situation.
The 20-year-old driver came under heavy fire from NASCAR fans after the victory, which saw him spin Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Brandon Jones on the final lap of overtime. Fans taunted Gibbs with chants of “Thank you, grandpa,” suggesting he wouldn’t have the high-caliber ride if he were not related to team founder Joe Gibbs.
Here’s a look back at the fans taunting Gibbs Saturday at Martinsville.
Fans chanting "Thank you, grandpa" to Ty Gibbs as he celebrates in victory lane. pic.twitter.com/bPGgePBGs8
— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) October 29, 2022
Gibbs did not do himself any favors Sunday when trying to explain the situation on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Talking about the taunts and boos targeting him, Gibbs used a “Jesus was persecuted, too” analogy, never a good idea.
“Jesus was hated first and among all the people,” Gibbs said. “That’s a part of it […] silencing out 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 among all the people. That's a part of it […] silencing out the crowd."
🗣️ On @SiriusXMNASCAR with @ClaireBLang, @TyGibbs discusses getting booed by fans following his #DeadOnTools250 win @MartinsvilleSwy. #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 at Martinsville, where the driver will compete in the Cup series event Sunday. The fan dressed up in a Jesus-like robe and beard, and held a sign reading, “Looking for Ty Gibbs.”
NASCAR fans also roasted the young driver on Twitter.
If I remember correctly Jesus turned water into wine not his teammate into the fence
— Aly Dawson (@alydawson14) October 29, 2022
The sign should have said: "Ty Gibbs, keep my name out of your mouth."
— Paul Gornowski (@PGornowski) October 30, 2022
https://twitter.com/WarrickRoger/status/1586775377812373505
You won NASCAR Twitter for the day
— Benjamin A. White (@sidedrafting_) October 30, 2022
BREAKING:
Jesus is on-site & looking for Ty Gibbs. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/TdIX6zGG9R
— Noah Lewis (@Noah_Lewis1) October 30, 2022
Ty should be parked for next weeks race Bubba got parked
— Don_Muss (@don_muss) October 30, 2022
Well if you’re going to have VIP’s at your race….
— Mark (@srching4driver) October 30, 2022
