J.D. Gibbs (c) had undergone treatment for symptoms impacting areas of brain function in recent yearsGETTY IMAGES
Joe Gibbs Racing President & co-Chair J.D. GIBBS died Friday at 49 following a "long battle with a degenerative neurological disease," according to Zack Albert of NASCAR.com. Gibbs had "undergone treatment for symptoms impacting areas of brain function in recent years." Before joining JGR, Gibbs made 13 NASCAR "national series starts" from '98-02. Gibbs was also "instrumental in forming the JGR Diversity Program in conjunction" with his father, JGR Owner & co-Chair JOE GIBBS and Pro Football HOFer REGGIE WHITE. J.D. Gibbs' health "became a serious concern" in '14, when he "exhibited symptoms" that led to the neurological diagnosis (NASCAR.com, 1/12).
WELL-RESPECTED: In DC, Liz Clarke noted within hours of the news of his death, the Gibbs family "received an outpouring of condolences and support on social media." In the family's NASCAR business, Gibbs was "more than his father's right-hand man." He was "instrumental in expanding the business from a single-car team to a force in NASCAR that has won four championships" at the Cup Series level. Gibbs was "affable and unfailingly optimistic," and was "warmly regarded throughout NASCAR." He was "held in high regard by corporate executives, racecar drivers, mechanics and media alike" (WASHINGTON POST, 1/13). Gibbs is "credited with giving DENNY HAMLIN his first opportunity to compete in NASCAR at a national level" (ESPN.com, 1/11).
IN MEMORY: Hamlin tweeted, "I will always be grateful for what His family did for mine and the opportunity he gave me 14 years ago." NASCAR President Steve Phelps: "Sad day for us all who knew him and called him our friend. We need more people like JD in the world." NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass: "I'll remember J.D. Gibbs often trying to get out of answering a tough question by saying, 'I just work here,' ... You would want to respond 'C'mon, man' but he said it in such a way that made you laugh a little before trying to get the answer. He was always polite." Driver Tony Stewart: "J.D. was a great person -- a family man who loved sports & racing in particular. He played a big part in my career, both as a driver & as a team owner. When he asked you how you were doing, he genuinely cared." Driver Jimmie Johnson: "He was always so kind and gracious to everyone" (TWITTER.com, 1/12).
