The NASCAR world suffered a tremendous loss before Sunday’s Cup Series Championship.
Joe Gibbs Racing co-founder Coy Gibbs died unexpectedly on Saturday night, the company announced Sunday afternoon.
He was 49 years old. A cause of death was not immediately announced.
It is with great sorrow that Joe Gibbs Racing confirms that Coy Gibbs (co-owner) went to be with the Lord in his sleep last night. The family appreciates all the 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 got his back as his father,” Coy said on Saturday. “… Watching it today, just to see his determination … it definitely made me proud. It made my wife — we were both proud, just because he hammered down and did his job. If he wants to do this for a living, he’s going to learn how to do that.”
Hard to fathom that 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, moving from football into the racing ranks as a driver before moving into the boardroom as an executive.
MORE: Updates from NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix
Ty was slated to participate in Sunday’s Cup Series race, driving in the No. 23 car for 23XI Racing. However, once news filtered through about his father’s passing, the company announced that Ty would not race. Xfinity Series driver Daniel Hemric will fill in for Ty in the No. 23 car.
23XI driver update for today at @phoenixraceway. #TeamToyota pic.twitter.com/N8XAPfAq02
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) November 6, 2022
The racing world shared its condolences for the Gibbs family, as well as its memories of Coy, described by longtime NASCAR chairman and CEO Jim France as a “true racer and friend.”
A statement from NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France on the passing of Coy Gibbs. pic.twitter.com/Ja94LfO5C8
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 6, 2022
Words can’t describe this day. Today was already going to be tough enough but it’s even more gut wrenching now. Heartbroken.
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) November 6, 2022
Today we will do what we don’t want to do, but we we will unite as a family and race for the name on our chest. @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 passing of Coy Gibbs. Our thoughts are with Coach, the Gibbs family and the entire JGR organization during this difficult time.
— M&M'S (@mmschocolate) 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’ passing.
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 6, 2022
Gibbs, father of Ty Gibbs, died at the age of 49. pic.twitter.com/AO3Capy3Io
A moment of 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 No. 20 championship car in Sunday’s race.
Jackson Gibbs, the nephew of Coy Gibbs, is still changing tires for Christopher Bell today. Here's his helmet for today's race: pic.twitter.com/Q6aC0fgwrs
— Clara Goodwin (@ClaraGoodwinTV) November 6, 2022