Regardless of how this week’s Chili Bowl Nationals shakes out for Ty Gibbs at the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Okla., he’ll likely be smiling.
The NASCAR Cup Series driver is making his first start at the famed midget event aboard the No. 81 fielded by CB Industries.
While Sunday featured limited practice time for all 389 entires at the tight, quarter-mile dirt oval, Gibbs enjoyed his first in-person experience after only having simulator opportunities prior.
“It was really fun,” Gibbs began. “Luckily, I got to spend time getting ready for this race and having a little bit more time. This is just my second midget race, the other one was at Ventura (Raceway in California).
“I actually got to run some laps at Millbridge (Speedway in North Carolina) this week and get a little bit of practice. But nothing really replicates this place. Seems like it’s really fun and I had a blast, I had so much. We didn’t get that many laps, bu it’s pretty similar to how the Cup stuff is.
“Everything’s short now, just gotta make the best of it,” Gibbs said. “I had a lot of fun, I felt comfortable. Just need to get faster and get better. Always can be better, so, I’m really having fun out here.”
During his first laps, Gibbs couldn’t help but crack a smile.
“This is super cool,” Gibbs said. “Really cool experience. I was definitely smiling a lot, but trying to stay focused and just enjoy the whole thing. It’s been such a cool environment.
“Racing with Chad (Boat) is really fun. (I) enjoy being here. I grew up around the Supercross world of racing and all that with my dad. I really miss that. So, it’s kinda fun to come back here. This kinda gives me the same feel.
“It’s always fun playing in the dirt, too.”
For Gibbs, handling a 3,300-pound stock car in the Cup Series versus a 900-pound midget comes with massive differences.
Thus, the transition has taken time.
However, some of the best advice Gibbs’ has been given has been simple — “Hammer down.”
“That’s definitely the truth,” Gibbs said. “I’ve got a lot of great guys to work with here.”
Gibbs has five teammates this week, including fellow Cup Series competitor Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and USAC standouts Daison Pursley, Chris Windom, Justin Grant and Zach Wigal.
“Daison’s been helping me out a lot,” Gibbs said. “He’s been really, really helpful to me. I appreciate him. I think the whole group’s been good. Chad’s been awesome. Having all these guys here is really fun.
“It’s just such a cool experience. I love racing, I’m a fan of it as much as anybody else is, no matter you can say. I just enjoy being here.
“I’m a fan of it, but also, being able to drive in it, I’m very proud and happy to do that.”
Gibbs’ qualifying night is set for Tuesday, Jan. 14.
