Joe Gibbs Racing announces Huge Change as four drivers Restricted with potential departures…
Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) has lifted restrictions on its NASCAR Cup Series drivers, allowing them greater freedom to participate in other motorsport disciplines, including dirt racing, after a formal process for drivers to seek permission to compete in other events was introduced.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Lifting of Restrictions:
JGR has lifted the restrictions that previously prohibited its Cup Series drivers from participating in extracurricular racing, particularly on dirt tracks.
Formal Process:
A formal process has been implemented for drivers to request and receive permission to compete in other motorsport events.
Motivation:
The decision comes after three-quarters of JGR’s Cup roster expressed a desire to race dirt, with Chase Briscoe and Christopher Bell already having dirt racing backgrounds, and Ty Gibbs also showing interest.
Drivers Involved:
The drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series for JGR are Denny Hamlin, Ty Gibbs, Christopher Bell and Chase Briscoe.
Dirt Racing Focus:
The change is particularly significant for dirt racing fans, as it allows drivers like Bell and Briscoe to compete in approved dirt racing events.
Other Motorsport Disciplines:
The new policy also allows drivers to potentially compete in other forms of racing, not just dirt racing.
Team Statement:
Joe Gibbs stated that he “always preferred (drivers\’) focus remain on racing in NASCAR,” but acknowledged the desire of his drivers to race dirt and felt it was fair to come up with a process to consider those opportunities.
NASCAR.com Confirmation:
The decision was confirmed to NASCAR.com by a team spokesperson.
Joe Gibbs Racing has announced the lifting of restrictions on its NASCAR Cup Series drivers, allowing them greater freedom to participate in a variety of other motorsport disciplines, including dirt racing.
For years, JGR maintained restrictions on its drivers’ participation in dirt racing, primarily to reduce injury risks and to keep their focus on their NASCAR commitments. This conservative approach ensured that drivers prioritized their responsibilities around their team.
The revised policy introduces a formal process for drivers to seek permission to compete in other motorsport events. JGR Founder Joe Gibbs explained to The Athletic:
“We sort of talked things over to come up with a process by which they can request to run certain races.
If they get approval from everyone they need on our competition side, then they are free to run the race. That includes dirt, but also potentially other forms of racing.”
An exciting addition to the JGR lineup, Chase Briscoe, is set to join the fray starting in 2025, taking over the No. 19 Toyota Camry from the retiring Martin Truex Jr. Briscoe has commented on the change:
