No matter how this week’s Chili Bowl Nationals shakes out for Ty Gibbs on the SageNet Middle in Tulsa, Okla., he’ll possible be smiling.
The NASCAR Cup Sequence driver is making his first begin on the famed midget occasion aboard the No. 81 fielded by CB Industries.
Whereas Sunday featured restricted follow time for all 389 entires on the tight, quarter-mile dust oval, Gibbs loved his first in-person expertise after solely having simulator alternatives prior.
“It was actually enjoyable,” Gibbs started. “Fortunately, I bought to spend time preparing for this race and having a little bit bit extra time. That is simply my second midget race, the opposite one was at Ventura (Raceway in California).
“I truly bought to run some laps at Millbridge (Speedway in North Carolina) this week and get a little bit little bit of follow. However nothing actually replicates this place. Looks as if it’s actually enjoyable and I had a blast, I had a lot. We didn’t get that many laps, bu it’s fairly much like how the Cup stuff is.
“Every little thing’s brief now, simply gotta make the very best of it,” Gibbs stated. “I had loads of enjoyable, I felt snug. Simply must get quicker and get higher. At all times may be higher, so, I’m actually having enjoyable out right here.”
Throughout his first laps, Gibbs couldn’t assist however crack a smile.
“That is tremendous cool,” Gibbs stated. “Actually cool expertise. I used to be positively smiling lots, however making an attempt to remain centered and simply get pleasure from the entire thing. It’s been such a cool setting.
“Racing with Chad (Boat) is basically enjoyable. (I) get pleasure from being right here. I grew up across the Supercross world of racing and all that with my dad. I actually miss that. So, it’s kinda enjoyable to return again right here. This kinda offers me the identical really feel.
“It’s at all times enjoyable enjoying within the dust, too.”
For Gibbs, dealing with a 3,300-pound inventory automotive within the Cup Sequence versus a 900-pound midget comes with large variations.
Thus, the transition has taken time.
Nonetheless, a few of the greatest recommendation Gibbs’ has been given has been easy — “Hammer down.”
“That’s positively the reality,” Gibbs stated. “I’ve bought loads of nice guys to work with right here.”
Gibbs has 5 teammates this week, together with fellow Cup Sequence competitor Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and USAC standouts Daison Pursley, Chris Windom, Justin Grant and Zach Wigal.
“Daison’s been serving to me out lots,” Gibbs stated. “He’s been actually, actually useful to me. I admire him. I feel the entire group’s been good. Chad’s been superior. Having all these guys right here is basically enjoyable.
“It’s simply such a cool expertise. I like racing, I’m a fan of it as a lot as anyone else is, irrespective of you’ll be able to say. I simply get pleasure from being right here.
“I’m a fan of it, but additionally, with the ability to drive in it, I’m very proud and completely satisfied to try this.”
Gibbs’ qualifying evening is ready for Tuesday, Jan. 14.
