Earlier this week, Samantha Busch disclosed that Ty Gibbs has been a constant source of support for her and Kyle’s 11-year-old son, Brexton, serving as a trusted “big brother” figure in recent months.
This weekend, Gibbs will compete in a special M&M’s tribute livery honoring the 23-time Bristol winner. However, Gibbs understands Brexton’s pain all too well — his own father, Coy, passed away suddenly just hours after Ty won the 2022 NASCAR O’Reilly Series championship.
“I grew up around Brexton, and he’s someone I spent a great deal of time with when I was younger as well … Obviously, we’ve been in fairly similar circumstances,” Gibbs said during a Friday media availability.
“For me, it’s simply about being there for him whenever he needs it. And also just being normal — we can be friends. I think the hardest part about someone passing is that everyone around you just wants to express how sorry they are. I’d rather just have a good time, and I know Brexton feels the same way. People don’t really know how to handle grief because they haven’t experienced anything like it.”
Gibbs has known Brexton his entire life, as Kyle spent the majority of his NASCAR career racing for Joe Gibbs Racing. In fact, Ty was the one who replaced Busch in the JGR Cup ride in 2023.
“I spent time with him when he was just a baby, and I was pretty young myself. So, yeah, I really like Brexton,” Gibbs added.
When asked by Motorsport.com whether he could help guide Brexton up the racing ladder, Gibbs said he wants to remain in the background rather than the spotlight. He noted that Brexton also has “a lot of great people that he can be around.”
“I want to be in the background. I don’t want to be at the front or the front line of everything. I don’t need followers, I don’t need people telling me I’m a great person. I don’t want any of that. I just want to be there as a friend for him.”
Could M&M’s Make a Permanent Return After Bristol?
Regarding the tribute paint scheme, the Busch family has been deeply involved in its creation, and Brexton even helped deliver it to the hauler at the JGR shop this week. Of Busch’s 234 NASCAR victories, 23 came at Bristol Motor Speedway, and no driver has piloted an M&M’s car since Busch in 2022. Mars Inc., the parent company of the iconic candy brand, enthusiastically participated in the tribute as well, wanting to honor the driver who represented them for nearly 15 years.
“It’s awesome,” Gibbs said of M&M’s surprise return. “I grew up around the M&M’s car. Being able to see it in person is really cool, especially with the 54 on it, too. It’s just so great to be a part of it this weekend. And obviously, it looks fantastic. I’m really looking forward to having M&M’s.”
As for the possibility of future collaborations with the company beyond Bristol, Gibbs said he “would love to see it,” adding: “I think the M&M’s colors look great. The Mars family and everybody involved are super special to us, too. I’ve known them forever, so it’s cool to have this opportunity, and I’m very honored.”
Gibbs claimed his first-ever Cup victory at Bristol in the most recent race at the half-mile, winning the 2026 spring event. He will start 13th after qualifying was called off due to rain on Friday.
The Busch family will be present at the track for Saturday’s 500-lap feature and will participate in select pre-race ceremonies.
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