Ty Gibbs focused on making playoffs, racing at Pocono this weekend

This weekend could be a big one for NASCAR Cup Series rookie, Ty Gibbs. The 20-year-old driver has his eyes set on the playoffs. Could Pocono Raceway be his ticket to the big show? He’s hoping to at least pick up the points he needs to get back in contention for the postseason, if not pull off a surprise victory.

Pocono was the site Gibbs made his Cup Series debut last season while substituting for Kurt Busch and 23XI Racing. It was a strong effort as he raced to a P16 finish. With more experience and time under his belt, Gibbs is likely looking at another top-10 finish if he can manage it.

If Ty Gibbs wants to make the playoffs, the next three races are going to be very important.

“It’s really cool for us and being a rookie, it’s really special to run up front and having a chance to run for the Playoffs,” Gibbs said, via NASCAR. “Just need to have a couple good weeks and we’ll be back in it, hopefully, and be able to go and race for a win and that will take care of all that.

“I think I’ve had a good experience at almost all the upcoming tracks except the speedways and so I’m happy about that. I enjoy Pocono, Michigan and Richmond. I’m excited for them and hopefully, we can knock off a win.”

The 2.5-mile triangular track will be a challenge. After experiencing it last season, Ty Gibbs is looking forward to it this season. 19th in the standings, 41 points from the cutline, it is now or never for Gibbs and his team.

Ty Gibbs could use some solid finishes

Starting with the first Atlanta race this season, Ty Gibbs went on a really great streak. For a rookie, in a stacked Cup Series field like we have right now, it was impressive. He finished in the top 10 in four races in a row. From ATL to Bristol Dirt, he was unshakeable in that top-10 group.

After Martinsville, things started to get shaky. He found himself with some DNFs and lackluster performances. Gibbs did manage to make the top 10 again at the Chicago Street Course. However, in the two weeks following, he has been P34 and P27.

New Hampshire was going well for Ty Gibbs, until it wasn’t. After the Christopher Bell yellow flag, Martin Truex Jr. was pretty annoyed with his teammate. Gibbs almost lost control and triggered another restart late in the race, but kept his car moving straight as he was passed in the final couple of laps, and came away P27.

It isn’t just Pocono that should serve Gibbs well. He’s going to Richmond and Michigan right after. Gibbs finished P9 at Richmond earlier this season. He was P10 at Michigan just a season ago. Let’s not forget that he’s a pretty good road course racer with Indy Road and Watkins Glen coming up.

So, Ty Gibbs – playoff driver or no?