Ty Gibbs honoring Kyle Busch both on and off-track as NASCAR visits Bristol

Ty Gibbs is returning to the site of his maiden NASCAR Cup Series win for the first time this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway.

But this race week is already special for an entirely different reason.

Four months removed from his passing, Gibbs and Joe Gibbs Racing are paying homage to the late Kyle Busch this weekend at one of the three-time Cup Series champion’s best tracks. Gibbs is piloting a special tribute scheme featuring Busch’s longtime sponsor, M&M’s, along with numerous photos showcasing highlights from the Nevadan’s legendary career.

It’s a delightful gesture on-track. And while some may have questioned Gibbs as the driver to pilot the machine, it’s become clear this week just how special he is to the Busch family away from the racing surface.

Samantha Busch, Kyle’s widow, explained in an Instagram story this week that Gibbs has been a key supporter of their son, Brexton, since Kyle’s passing.

“I can’t even put into words how wonderful [Gibbs] has been to Brexton,” Samantha said, noting that he’s been “like a big brother” and a significant source of comfort for the 11-year-old.

Gibbs is unfortunately well-qualified to help Brexton. The grandson of team owner Joe Gibbs lost his own dad, Coy, when he was just 20 years old, hours after he’d claimed the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship.

Nearly four years later, Gibbs has found himself serving as part of Brexton’s support system after a similarly tragic passing. He’s taken Brexton to lunch, driven karts around the Busch family’s home neighborhood and also taken him to race karts.

There’s been no major strategy behind the decisions. Gibbs has just been trying to help Brexton where he can.

"I just think for me, being there for him for whatever he needs, obviously," Gibbs said of his intentions in the media bullpen on Friday. “Just being cool, we can be friends.

"I think the thing that sucks about people passing is people just want to talk about how much they feel bad for you. Like, I just want to have a good time. I know Brexton does, too. People just don't really understand how to handle grief because they haven't ever gone through anything like that."

Samantha’s story was a rare look into Gibbs’ personal life, offering a peek at the positive side of a driver that’s often fallen afoul of popular fan sentiment. And it’s happened without any aim for praise from Gibbs.

“I want to be in the background,” Gibbs said. “I don’t want to be in the [spotlight] of anything. I don’t need followers, or people to tell me I’m a great person. I don’t want any of that. I just want to be there as a friend for him.”

On-track, Gibbs is a fierce competitor that’s come into form this season. He has two wins and sits sixth in the standings after two races in thel Chase, 51 points behind teammate Denny Hamlin.

Away from the track, Gibbs is a friend helping another unfortunate son process incalculable grief that none deserve and few can understand.