Co-Founder of Joe Gibbs Racing, Dies at 49
J.D. Gibbs, who followed his famous father’s path from football to stock-car racing, died Friday evening. He was 49.
Gibbs’ passing was announced by Joe Gibbs Racing, the family’s racing team, citing “complications following a long battle with a degenerative neurological disease.” Gibbs had undergone treatment for symptoms impacting areas of brain function in recent years.
Gibbs served as president and later co-chairman of Joe Gibbs Racing. Before joining the organization’s senior management, Gibbs was an over-the-wall crewmember and a part-time driver, making 13 NASCAR national series starts from 1998-2002.
“We were privileged to watch J.D. Gibbs grow within the sport, displaying an endearing personality, a keen eye for talent and the strong business acumen that helped grow Joe Gibbs Racing into a pre-eminent NASCAR team,” NASCAR Chairman & CEO Jim France said in a statement. “The NASCAR family has lost a truly special member. On behalf of NASCAR and the France family, I extend my deepest condolences to Joe Gibbs, Pat, Melissa, Coy and the entire Gibbs family.”
“I wasn’t really stellar from an athletic standpoint,” J.D. Gibbs told the Richmond Times-Dispatch in 2006. “So for me to go into business, starting a family business with my dad, was really great. I’m glad we had a chance to do that together.”
J.D. Gibbs’ competitive spirit translated into his management style, fueling a period of dramatic growth for Joe Gibbs Racing. The organization expanded to a two-car team in 1999 and quickly snared its first two championships — with Bobby Labonte in 2000 and Tony Stewart in 2002.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joe Gibbs Racing Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, J.D. Gibbs, who passed away earlier tonight at the age of 49 from complications following a long battle with a degenerative neurological disease. pic.twitter.com/kmyKRHupeq— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) January 12, 2019
Heartbroken for the entire Gibbs family. J.D. was a great person – a family man who loved sports & racing in particular. He played a big part in my career, both as a driver & as a team owner. When he asked how you were doing, he genuinely cared. I'll miss that the most. https://t.co/fnYndYp3uy— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) January 12, 2019
During difficult times, one guy was flourishing and that was Stewart, who had his greatest season and arguably, the best summer stretch in NASCAR history with J.D. running day-to-day operations in 2005. Stewart scored five wins and had career-highs in top-fives (17) and top-10s (25), good enough to bring home his second Cup Series title. It was JGR’s third title in six years and J.D.’s first and only Cup title as a sole owner.
Saddened by the loss of J.D. Gibbs. J.D. made @NASCAR better and was a great leader. Offering my condolences to the Gibbs family and @JoeGibbsRacing.— Doug Yates (@Yates_Doug) January 12, 2019
Our hearts and prayers go out to the Gibbs and @JoeGibbsRacing family 🙏💔 https://t.co/L8KvNwgWKh— KylePettyCharityRide (@KPCharityRide) January 12, 2019
His car. His number. His signature above my door. I will always be grateful for what His family did for mine and the opportunity he gave me 14 years ago. Now more than ever #doitforJD— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) January 12, 2019
On J.D.’s 47th birthday in 2016, Hamlin eked out future teammate Martin Truex, Jr. by 0.010 seconds in the closest Daytona 500 finish in history. Known for crediting J.D. as the guy that gave him his big break in NASCAR, Hamlin dedicated the victory to him. “It’s the pinnacle of my career, for sure. I haven’t got a championship yet. This is obviously the biggest win for myself,” said Hamlin. “It’s just the circumstances, J.D. Gibbs, who found me about 12, 13 years ago, it’s his birthday today, he’s been so pivotal to myself and my team and supporting me for the past 11 years.”
Say no more...The logo on the @JoeGibbsRacing site says it all. There was not a Victory Lane interview that I did..not one.. @SiriusXMNASCAR after JD got sick that Joe Gibbs didn't stop and mention JD. I feel for Joe and JD's family. #heartbreak. #RememberJD pic.twitter.com/gZ49kbDKNq— Claire B Lang (@ClaireBLang) January 12, 2019
Heartbreaking news for the NASCAR world. J.D. Gibbs, Joe Gibbs Racing Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, died Friday night following a long battle with a degenerative neurological disease. He was 49 years old. pic.twitter.com/PVjgJp7R80— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) January 12, 2019
The NASCAR community remembers @JoeGibbsRacing co-founder, J.D. Gibbs. https://t.co/eqWs3It2ma— NASCAR (@NASCAR) January 12, 2019
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of JD Gibbs. He and the entire JGR organization were key to my career in NASCAR and will forever be in my heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family at JGR during this very difficult time. pic.twitter.com/yQ42OFHAwZ— Daniel Suárez (@Daniel_SuarezG) January 12, 2019
🏁 🏆 Last Five Posts 🏆 🏁
- Forbes’ ‘Women in Sports to Watch’ in 2019 - NASCAR's Hailie Deegan, Julie Giese
- Job Opportunity at Charlotte Motor Speedway
- Carnival Added to NASCAR Festival Weekend
- Rev Racing Names Matt Bucher as Director of Competition
- Jefferson Hodges Joins Penske As NASCAR Team Manager
No comments:
Post a Comment