Martinsville Mayhem: When Joe Gibbs’ Grandson Embarrassed Himself for $100,000 in Front of the Whole World

Martinsville Speedway has long been a place where tempers flare, sheet metal crumples, and reputations are made—or in some cases, shattered. One of the most infamous moments in recent NASCAR history came when Ty Gibbs, grandson of legendary team owner Joe Gibbs, found himself at the center of controversy during the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the half-mile short track.

The stage was set: The final laps at Martinsville, with a $100,000 Dash 4 Cash bonus on the line. Ty Gibbs, already a polarizing figure in the sport due to his aggressive driving style and privileged entry into top-tier equipment, was battling his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Brandon Jones, for the win. Jones, a veteran of the Xfinity Series, needed the victory to secure a spot in the championship race at Phoenix.

Instead of racing cleanly, Gibbs resorted to a move that would make even the roughest of short-track racers wince—he flat-out dumped Jones in Turn 3 on the final lap. The incident sent Jones spinning and handed Gibbs the win, along with the $100,000 prize. The move was met with an eruption of boos from the grandstands and immediate backlash from fans, drivers, and even his own organization.

What made the situation even more embarrassing was the complete lack of remorse Gibbs displayed in his post-race interview. While NASCAR has long been a sport where aggressive driving is sometimes accepted, this wasn’t a case of hard racing—it was blatant and unnecessary. Making matters worse, Gibbs attempted to justify the move with weak excuses, further alienating the fanbase.

The fallout was swift. Jones, who had the chance to compete for a championship, was eliminated, and Joe Gibbs Racing faced internal turmoil. A week later, karma struck hard when Gibbs lost the championship race at Phoenix, further cementing his Martinsville meltdown as a defining moment of his young career.

For NASCAR fans, this was another chapter in the sport’s long history of on-track drama. But for Ty Gibbs, it was a lesson in how one impulsive decision can cost more than just a race—it can cost respect, credibility, and a chance at long-term fan support.