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 apply time for all 389 entires on the tight, quarter-mile grime oval, Gibbs loved his first in-person expertise after solely having simulator alternatives prior.
“It was actually enjoyable,” Gibbs started. “Fortunately, I acquired to spend time preparing for this race and having a bit bit extra time. That is simply my second midget race, the opposite one was at Ventura (Raceway in California).
“I truly acquired to run some laps at Millbridge (Speedway in North Carolina) this week and get a bit little bit of apply. However nothing actually replicates this place. Looks like 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.
“All the things’s brief now, simply gotta make the most effective of it,” Gibbs stated. “I had plenty of enjoyable, I felt comfy. Simply have to get quicker and get higher. All the time 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 so much, however attempting to remain centered and simply take pleasure in the entire thing. It’s been such a cool surroundings.
“Racing with Chad (Boat) is absolutely enjoyable. (I) take pleasure in 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 come back again right here. This kinda offers me the identical really feel.
“It’s at all times enjoyable taking part in within the grime, too.”
For Gibbs, dealing with a 3,300-pound inventory automotive within the Cup Sequence versus a 900-pound midget comes with huge variations.
Thus, the transition has taken time.
Nonetheless, among the finest recommendation Gibbs’ has been given has been easy — “Hammer down.”
“That’s positively the reality,” Gibbs stated. “I’ve acquired plenty 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 so much,” Gibbs stated. “He’s been actually, actually useful to me. I respect him. I feel the entire group’s been good. Chad’s been superior. Having all these guys right here is absolutely enjoyable.
“It’s simply such a cool expertise. I really like racing, I’m a fan of it as a lot as anyone else is, regardless of you may say. I simply take pleasure in being right here.
“I’m a fan of it, but in addition, with the ability to drive in it, I’m very proud and completely happy to do this.”
Gibbs’ qualifying evening is about for Tuesday, Jan. 14.
