Christopher Bell leads tributes to Coy Gibbs following his death

Christopher Bell. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Christopher Bell leads industry-wide tributes to Coy Gibbs following his death

By Eric Treuden | Last updated 11/8/22

Christopher Bell, 27, is coming off of easily his best season as a professional NASCAR driver, winning three Cup races and advancing all the way to the Final Four in the playoffs, meaning he was one of only four drivers eligible to win the championship.

Just moments before Bell was set to climb into his car and fight for this year's Cup Series championship, news broke that Coy Gibbs, the co-owner of Joe Gibbs Racing and father of fellow competitor Ty Gibbs, had passed away.

JGR drivers Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch were hit hard by the news, sharing some words and a quick embrace before the event began.

An emotional scene on pit road pre-race after the tragic loss of Coy Gibbs last night.@KyleBusch and @dennyhamlin had a quick embrace.#NASCAR #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/L1YqlNKQlt
— NASCAR on TSN (@NASCARonTSN) November 6, 2022

After the race (in which Bell finished 10th, earning him a 3rd place finish in the points standings), he took to Twitter.

"Congrats to @joeylogano and the 22 team. They were the class of the field and deserving champions. Right now my focus is being with my @JoeGibbsRacing family and trying to process the news of Coy's passing. We are all so heartbroken."

Shortly after the race and Bell's tweet about the tragic passing of Gibbs, the rest of the NASCAR world followed suit, including the recently-retired Kurt Busch, his brother Kyle and his wife Samantha, and other competitors.

My heart is with the Gibbs family and our @JoeGibbsRacing family during this incredibly difficult time. https://t.co/q6DGZZTWpq
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) November 6, 2022

Words can’t describe this day. Today was already going to be tough enough but it’s even more gut wrenching now. Heartbroken.
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) November 6, 2022

pic.twitter.com/0qpdGgEdOU
— Samantha Busch (@SamanthaBusch) November 7, 2022

I’m heartbroken. Coy was always so kind and genuine to me and just a great man. Our prayers are with the Gibbs family! https://t.co/0wdErdI02R
— Ty Dillon (@tydillon) November 7, 2022

My heart breaks for Joe, Pat, Heather and all the Gibbs family. Prayers https://t.co/N176x5Ybny
— Kyle Petty (@kylepetty) November 6, 2022

A statement from NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France on the passing of Coy Gibbs. pic.twitter.com/Ja94LfO5C8
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 6, 2022

Been a really tough day. Hate we couldn’t have a better result. None of that matters at the end of the day. Heart goes out to Ty, Coach, Pat and the entire Gibbs family. Coy was always great to me!

Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight!

— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) November 7, 2022

Gibbs, 49, had just taken a picture with his son Ty, the Xfinity Series champ, the night before his tragic passing. This image will live on forever in the hearts of NASCAR fans as the mourning of his loss continues.