By Jerry Jordan, Editor
PHOENIX – Coy Randall Gibbs, 49, vice-chairman and chief operating officer for Joe Gibbs Racing, was found deceased in his hotel room at a Phoenix-area resort where he was staying for NASCAR Championship Weekend.
Gibbs is the son of team owner, Coach Joe Gibbs, and the father of 2022 Xfinity Series Champion Ty Gibbs. Just hours before, he was on stage with his son celebrating the team’s championship and speaking to members of the media about the tumultuous week the team faced heading into the final race, where the younger Gibbs drove the race of his life and secured the Xfinity Series title.
According to an official statement from Joe Gibbs Racing, “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. The family appreciates all the thoughts and prayers and asks for privacy at this time.”
Today we will do what we don’t want to do, but we we will unite as a family and race for the name on our chest. @JoeGibbsRacing
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) November 6, 2022
Following the news, NASCAR chairman and CEO, Jim France, released a statement saying the industry was “heartbroken” by the loss of Coy Gibbs, “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.”
Ty Gibbs will sit out of the race today to mourn with his family. He was slated to drive the No. 23 Monster Energy Toyota for 23XI Racing. Daniel Hemric will serve as the substitute driver.
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. The family appreciates all the thoughts and prayers and asks for privacy at this time.
— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) November 6, 2022
Can’t imagine loosing both of your children 3yrs apart and both at the same age. I’m certain that JD welcomed his younger brother to Heaven in the same way that Ralph welcomed Dale Sr & Papa Joe welcoming Ricky. It hurts to know that Coach Gibbs and Mrs. Gibbs have to bury both of their sons, it’s not supposed to be this way, parents don’t bury our children, but the Gibbs will again. Coy was a father and husband who leaves a wife Heather, 3 sons, & a daughter he will never get to walk down the isle but hopefully her grandfather will be able to if her father’s passing doesn’t destroy the man. His faith in God is the strength he will need to hold onto if he’s able to get through the loss of Coy !