The NASCAR offseason often brings change, and Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) is no exception. As Ty Gibbs completes his rookie year in the NASCAR Cup Series, his partnership with veteran crew chief Chris Gayle is set to conclude. Gayle will move to Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 team in 2025 as part of a broader reshuffling at JGR, which also includes current No. 11 crew chief Chris Gabehart transitioning to the role of competition director.
While Gayle’s future is clear, the identity of Ty Gibbs’ next crew chief remains undecided, leaving questions about the direction of the No. 54 team heading into 2025.
Ty Gibbs on His Partnership with Gayle
When asked if he and Gayle had hit a plateau in their performance this season, Gibbs was reflective but measured. “I wouldn’t call it a plateau,” he said. “Every team has its challenges, and we’ve worked hard to overcome ours. Chris has been a great mentor and has helped me learn so much about racing at this level.”
The pair achieved some solid moments during the 2024 season but were unable to secure a victory or a playoff berth. Gibbs, the reigning Xfinity Series champion, acknowledged that adapting to the Cup Series has been a steep learning curve. “Chris [Gayle] has been instrumental in helping me navigate the transition to Cup racing,” he added. “I know he’ll do great things with Denny, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for both of us.
Big Moves at Joe Gibbs Racing
The decision to shift Gayle to Hamlin’s team underscores JGR’s commitment to strengthening its flagship No. 11 program as Hamlin approaches the final seasons of his driving career. Gabehart, who has been Hamlin’s crew chief since 2019 and helped him win multiple races, will bring his experience to his new role as competition director.
These changes reflect JGR’s strategy to maintain its competitive edge across its four-car operation. Gibbs’ No. 54 team remains a critical part of that effort, and finding the right crew chief for the young driver will be key.
Who Could Be Next for Gibbs?
Although JGR has not yet announced a replacement for Gayle, speculation has already begun. The team may look to promote from within, tapping into its deep pool of engineers and Xfinity Series talent, or it could seek an experienced crew chief from another organization to guide Gibbs through his sophomore season.
Whoever takes the helm will be tasked with building on the foundation that Gayle and Gibbs have established while helping the 21-year-old driver unlock his full potential in the Cup Series.
Despite the changes, Gibbs remains optimistic about his future at JGR. “I trust the decisions being made and know the team will put the right person in place to help us succeed,” he said. “There’s still so much I want to achieve, and I’m ready to work hard to get there.”
As JGR finalizes its lineup for 2025, all eyes will be on the No. 54 team and the next chapter in Ty Gibbs’ promising career. Will a new crew chief be the spark needed to push Gibbs to his first Cup Series win? Time will tell.
