Countdown to Daytona 2026 - 19 Days

By Adam Carabine

Counting down the final 30 days to the 2026 Daytona 500, we are looking at last year's Top 30 drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. Today's driver: Ty Gibbs

Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

No. 54 Car – Joe Gibbs Racing

2025 Stats

Standings	19th
Wins	0
Points	783
Stage Points	94
Stage Wins	2
Laps Led	304
Lead Lap Finishes	27
Average Finish	17.9
DNFs	4
Races since last win	N/A

What Does Success Look Like in 2026?

Ty Gibbs has been seemingly on the cusp of his first Cup Series win since he first came into the series as a rookie.  He’s in some of the top equipment on the track, and he has certainly been close at times.  Success involves that first win coming, and a spot in the playoffs (now known as the Chase). 

Best-Case Scenario in 2026?

Gibbs had five Top-5s last season, and eight the year before.  To say that he’s been close to that first win isn’t an overstatement.  Best-case for Ty Gibbs? He pops off in 2026 and earns multiple wins, which also paves the way for him to move up the points standings, and secure his spot in The Chase. 

Most Likely Outcome in 2026?

Gibbs has both talent and good equipment, but so do many other drivers.  I think it’s likely that Gibbs enjoys his first win, but then coasts through the rest of the year and doesn’t make it to The Chase.

Bold Prediction?

Ty Gibbs goes winless again in 2026, and gets sent back down to the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly Xfinity) in 2027 to regain some confidence..