Ty Gibbs made an impressive World of Outlaws debut at The Dirt Track at Charlotte, topping his first hot laps just days after the Cup finale.
Fresh off the NASCAR Cup Series season finale at Phoenix Raceway, Ty Gibbs wasted no time jumping back behind the wheel — this time trading pavement for dirt. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver made his World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series debut Wednesday night, celebrating the 25th anniversary of racing at The Dirt Track at Charlotte, kicking off the finale weekend in impressive fashion.
Gibbs topped the first WEDG High Performance Karts Hot Laps session with a blistering 12.865-second lap, immediately showcasing his adaptability on the 4/10-mile clay oval. It was a strong first statement in a week packed with championship-deciding action across three premier divisions.
MORE: World of Outlaws Finals at Charlotte
While Pennsylvania‘s Sye Lynch ultimately set the overall quick time in Honest Abe Roofing Qualifying with a 12.661-second lap, Gibbs‘ early speed drew attention as one of the night‘s standout storylines. His smooth transition from the Cup car to a Sprint Car underscored the 22-year-old‘s versatility and hunger to keep learning.
The World Finals appearance caps an eventful 2025 season for Gibbs, who recently completed his third full-time NASCAR Cup Series campaign. Driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, he tallied five top-five finishes and 10 top 10s — including a standout run in the Bristol Night Race — but remains in pursuit of his first career win at NASCAR‘s top level.
For Gibbs, the appearance at The Dirt Track at Charlotte comes during the first week of the NASCAR offseason, adding a different kind of competition to his schedule before the series returns in February. The Cup Series resumes action next year, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, with the season-opening exhibition race, the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on FOX.