Joe Gibbs Could Lose $10 Billion Worth Partner’s Support, Thanks to Tony Stewart’s Comeback Star

Since Tony Stewart announced selling his SHR charters, the NASCAR landscape has been buzzing with uncertainty. This decision has freed several drivers, including Josh Berry, Noah Gragson, and Cole Custer, for other teams wanting to buy. Bass Pro-backed Noah Gragson stands out as a sought-after gem among these drivers.

Gragson’s stellar performance as a rookie in this year’s Cup Series season makes him a viable candidate for teams looking to buy charters. But as Martin Truex Jr considers retirement this season, Joe Gibbs Racing faces a critical dilemma. A dilemma, if left unresolved, could prove too costly for Joe Gibbs and his racing team.

The potential exit of Bass Pro from JGR

NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass recently commented on the potential implications of Martin Truex Jr’s retirement. The implications are great for RCR and other competing teams but not so good for JGR. Pockrass noted, “Wouldn’t be surprised if Bass Pro ends up sponsoring Gragson wherever he lands. And would say no guarantees that it remains at JGR. Obviously Truex was a long-time driver for Bass Pro. The main JGR connection was the Bass Pro-Toyota partnership as its official vehicle.” This scenario puts enormous pressure on JGR to find a suitable replacement and retain their crucial sponsor.

Noah Gragson’s past endeavors and connections with Richard Childress Racing add another layer to this complex situation. Before joining Tony Stewart’s SHR, Gragson made 10 of 18 starts under Kaulig Racing’s banner in the Xfinity Series. Kaulig, housed on RCR’s campus, buys engines from Richard Childress-owned ECR. This connection suggests a potential move for Gragson to RCR. Journalist Jordan Bianchi recently claimed, “Noah Gragson might replace Austin Dillon in the No. 3 car at RCR.” However, Dale Earnhardt Jr in his “The Dale Jr. Download” deemed this possibility “far-fetched.”

Gragson’s performance this season further solidifies his appeal. With an average finish of 18.688 and five top-10 finishes, he has proven his worth as a rookie. Speculations also suggest that if Truex Jr. retires, Gragson might join RCR with Bass Pro Shops’ backing. DBC host Brett Griffin noted, “If Martin retires, it helps Noah’s scenario. If he doesn’t, it hurts Noah’s scenario.” This leaves us with one question- what are the other ways out for JGR?

Possible ways out of the maze

To mitigate the potential loss of Bass Pro Shops, JGR could explore other options. Josh Berry, another driver from Tony Stewart’s SHR, with connections to Bass Pro, is a viable candidate. Berry, who has a relationship with Johnny Morris and Bass Pro, has shown promise this season. With an average finish of 21.563 and two top-10 finishes, Berry is a strong contender. However, the lack of initiative from JGR to secure Berry might cost them. Front Row Motorsports and Wood Brothers Racing will likely acquire Berry, especially with FRM already buying a $20-25 million charter.

Dale Earhardt Jr echoes these sentiments. When questioned about the likelihood of JGR recruiting Josh, this is what he had to say: “Ty Gibbs raced with Josh in the CARS Tour. They know each other well. I think they have a great relationship. Josh has worked with Bass Pro in the past. So Johnny Morris and those folks at Bass Pro know who Josh is.” But Dale Jr was also quick to add a caveat. He remarked, “that would depend on what Truex is going to do.”

Another solution for JGR is to sort out  Ty Gibbs’s poor relationship with Gragson. For JGR to save itself from this fiasco, it must address the temper tantrums of Joe Gibbs’s grandson. After the donut incident in Sonoma 250, this is not something that looks viable at the moment.

With a $7.7 Billion media deal activating next year, JGR could use this sponsorship opportunity to capitalize on the viewership gains it might get from different streaming platforms.  However, all this depends on a significant “if” — if Truex Jr decides to retire.