Slaw Dog
The entire motocross community is mourning the sudden and tragic passing of Coy Gibbs, co-owner of Joe Gibbs Racing.
According to a statement from JGR, Coy passed away in his sleep over the weekend. He was just 49.
“It is with great sorrow that Joe Gibbs Racing confirms that Coy Gibbs went to be with the Lord in his sleep last night. The family appreciates all the thoughts and prayers and asks for privacy at this time.”
Coy, the youngest son of NFL coaching legend and Pro Football and NASCAR Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs, followed in his father’s footsteps in racing, starting the JGRMX team in 2008. Over the course of 13 seasons, JGRMX established itself as the sport’s premier satellite program and became an integral entity within AMA Supercross and Motocross.
JGRMX captured numerous victories and podiums over the course of its existence, despite missing out on an elusive championship. The names who competed are long: Justin Barcia, Justin Bogle, Justin Brayton, Josh Grant, Alex Martin, Davi Millsaps, Chad Reed, Joey Savatgy, James Stewart, Weston Peick, and others.
JGR closed its doors in 2020, and Coy had moved over to the NASCAR side of Joe Gibbs Racing. His son Ty had won the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship in Phoenix over the weekend.
Some former riders shared their thoughts on Coy over the weekend.
Cooper Webb: “Heartbroken to hear the news about Coy. JGR sponsored me for two years as an amateur, which ultimately paved the way for me to start my career at Star Racing. Growing up in North Carolina, I dreamed of racing for them one day. The Gibbs family and entire JGR organization are in my prayers 🙏🏼”
Josh Grant: “I’m truly at a loss for words. Coy was like a father figure to me in my early stages of racing and we kept a very very close relationship even after my time at JGR. A couple weeks ago he told me when the boys are ready to rock call him he would start the team back up! Thank you Coy for everything you have done for me and my family I will forever be grateful for the opportunities and time we spent together. ❤️ RIP”
Phil Nicoletti: “I owe this guy this guy so much. He took me in on one of the most unique deals in our sport. He gave me the chance to prove myself, and grow. He allowed me to be me. He never cared if I politically correct. Whether he said I rode good or like shit, (got a lot of rode like shit😂) but I couldn’t ever understand because it was the same mumbled monotone voice. If it wasn’t for Mr. Coy I wouldn’t have met some of the life long friends I have now. Thank you for saving my career and giving me 5 awesome years. Allowing me to have a shot. You were one of a kind Mr. Coy. Thank you for taking care of us misfits.”
RIP, Coy. You will be greatly missed by the entire motocross community.
Main image: MX Sports
