NASCAR
Coy Gibbs, Son of Joe Gibbs, Passes Away at Age of 49
AVONDALE, Ariz. – Championship Sunday began somberly at Phoenix Raceway, as Joe Gibbs Racing announced that team co-owner Coy Gibbs passed away in his sleep overnight. The son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs and father of Xfinity Series champion Ty Gibbs, Coy Gibbs was only 49-years old.
“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,” said a team statement. “The family appreciates all the thoughts and prayers and asks for privacy at this time.”
Coy is sadly Joe Gibbs’ second child to recently lose their life. Joe’s elder son, JD, died after battling a degenerative brain issue in January 2019.
In the wake of this tragedy, Coy Gibbs’ son Ty withdrew from Sunday’s Cup Series finale race. Racing the No. 23 Toyota in his place was Daniel Hemric, who finished 17th. Racing with heavy hearts all around, Christopher Bell also came up third in the Cup Series championship for Joe Gibbs Racing.
NASCAR also released their own statement from Chairman and CEO Jim France on Gibbs’ passing. “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Coy Gibbs. On behalf of the France Family and all of NASCAR, I extend my deepest condolences to Joe, Pat, Heather, the Gibbs family and everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing on the loss of Coy, a true friend and racer.”
Coy was far from just a team executive within JGR; he was also a former assistant coach for the Washington Commanders under his father. Coy also raced himself in the early 2000s in both Truck and Xfinity competition. Gibbs had 23 top-10s and finished 10th twice in the Truck Series championship.
Coy’s son, 20-year-old Ty Gibbs, won the Xfinity Series championship just hours before his passing. In what is surely a wild swing of emotions for the entire Gibbs family, they have asked for privacy at this time. Coy Gibbs is survived by wife Heather and four children.
The Gibbs family has been dealt a debilitating blow twice now. They are more than deserving of their requested isolation during this grieving period.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credit to Sean Gardner/Getty Images for NASCAR
