money NASCAR Xfinity drivers still buzzing over Ty Gibbs' incident as championship weekend arrives
As NASCAR's championship weekend comes to Phoenix there is controversy over the damage Ty Gibbs did in the Xfinity Series semifinal last weekend in Martinsville.
In the third overtime, Gibbs put his own teammate, Brandon Jones, into the wall. That brought out a caution and guaranteed Gibbs would win the race — despite already having his spot in the final four secured.
This move has caused a lot of uproar amongst fans and drivers, and it was a topic of discussion during NASCAR's media day on Thursday, where drivers of all three series met the media as they prepare to compete at Phoenix Raceway this weekend.
Noah Gragson, competing for JR Motorsports against Gibbs in the Xfinity finale, voiced his displeasure towards Gibbs.
"I don't think anyone in the industry has too much respect towards him," Gragson said. "Were focusing on winning a championship for our team and will do whatever it takes to beat someone like that."
Gibbs, who drives for his grandfather's team, Joe Gibbs Racing, received a lot of the media's attention during his availability. He was apologetic for his actions. He told reporters that he has talked to the Jones, the teammate that he wrecked, and has apologized to his entire team.
"I think this is something that has piled on me because I made that mistake and did not do the right things," he said. "It's definitely hard to do that but I have to face the fact that I made a mistake and I have to work as hard as I can to fix these issues."
Championship teammates
Three out of the four drivers competing in the Xfinity Series championship drive for JR Motorsports. Justin Allgaier, Josh Berry and Gragson all realize that they have a 75% chance of winning a championship as a team.
Although they are on the same team, all three are still looking to win a championship for themselves.
"It's an interesting dynamic but it's not unusual," Berry said. "We've been racing each other all year. We've won almost half the races, it's not anything out of the ordinary. With the performance we've been having we left we could have two, three, hell even four cars here."
The Xfinity Series final is the only championship race this year in which three drivers come from the same team. It's the middle of the three NASCAR title races, starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday. The Camping World Truck final is at 7 p.m. Friday, with the Cup Series championship set for 1 p.m. Sunday.
Camping World Truck Series
Along with being excited for a chance to win a championship, the Final Four drivers in the Truck Series are looking forward to their plans following championship weekend.
Some have extravagant plans of partying, fishing and spending time with family following their race on Friday night.
Ben Rhodes is ready to run back the celebration that he had last year after winning the series championship.
"We have 'Ben Rhodes old fashions' served now at the barn. Now all I have to do is perform," he said. "150 laps to make it to the barn and you're going to see something epic."
Other drivers have more humble post-race plans. Two-time runner-up Zane Smith is going to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where he plans to pursue his hobby of deep-sea fishing. He plans on spending his offseason in the Florida Keys to continue fishing.
Chandler Smith said he will be going to Hawaii to spend time with his wife and newborn son.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: NASCAR still buzzing over Ty Gibbs incident as championship races near
