Gibbs Shakes Up the Chili Bowl: A Joyful Debut Adventure!

No matter the outcome of this week’s Chili Bowl Nationals for Ty Gibbs at the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he’ll probably be grinning.

The NASCAR Cup Series competitor is participating in his inaugural appearance at the renowned midget race driving the No. 81 entry run by CB Industries.

Sunday offered only limited practice opportunities for all 389 participants at the narrow, quarter-mile dirt track, but Gibbs relished his first live experience after previously only having simulator practices.

“It was a lot of fun,” Gibbs remarked. “Fortunately, I was able to spend time preparing for this race and had a bit more time. This is merely my second midget race, the first being at Ventura (Raceway in California).

“I actually got to complete some laps at Millbridge (Speedway in North Carolina) this week and gain a bit of practice. However, nothing truly replicates this venue. It seems like a blast and I had a fantastic time. We didn’t clock that many laps, but it’s quite comparable to the Cup activities.

“Everything’s brief now, just gotta maximize the opportunity,” Gibbs stated. “I had a lot of fun, I felt secure. Just need to accelerate and improve. There’s always room for enhancement, so I’m genuinely enjoying myself out here.”

As he completed his initial laps, Gibbs couldn’t restrain a grin.

“This is incredibly cool,” Gibbs expressed. “A truly amazing experience. I was definitely smiling a lot, yet trying to maintain focus and enjoy the overall atmosphere. It’s been such an awesome setting.

“Competing alongside Chad (Boat) is really enjoyable. (I) appreciate being here. I grew up around the Supercross racing scene with my father. I truly miss that. Therefore, it’s kind of exciting to return here. It gives me a similar vibe.

“It’s always amusing to play in the dirt, too.”

For Gibbs, maneuvering a 3,300-pound stock car in the Cup Series as opposed to a 900-pound midget presents significant contrasts.

As a result, adjusting has required some time.

Nonetheless, some of the most valuable advice Gibbs has received has been straightforward — “Hammer down.”

“That’s certainly accurate,” Gibbs noted. “I’ve got a fantastic group of people to collaborate with here.”

Gibbs has five teammates this week, including fellow Cup Series racer Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and USAC stars Daison Pursley, Chris Windom, Justin Grant, and Zach Wigal.

“Daison has been immensely supportive to me,” Gibbs stated. “He’s been exceptionally, exceptionally helpful. I’m grateful for him. I think the entire group has been solid. Chad has been excellent. Having all these individuals here is a lot of fun.

“It’s just such a unique experience. I love racing; I’m as much a fan of it as anyone else, no matter how you put it. I just love being here.

“I’m a fan of it, but also being able to participate in it makes me very proud and happy.”

Gibbs’ qualifying evening is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 14.