Ty Gibbs is riding high after a dominant victory at Iowa Speedway, and his No. 54 team looks like a genuine title contender heading into the Chase. But even with everything clicking, the young driver has a wild idea he’d love to see NASCAR try: racing without digital mirrors.
During a recent conversation with Dale Earnhardt Jr., Gibbs joked about the prospect, suggesting that removing the high-tech digital mirrors could change the on-track product in unexpected ways. While it was clearly a lighthearted comment, it touches on a real debate simmering in the NASCAR garage about the balance between technology and driver skill.
What are digital mirrors?
NASCAR’s Next Gen car introduced a rearview camera system that feeds live video to a screen inside the cockpit, replacing traditional mirrors. The system provides a clearer, wider view of what’s behind, helping drivers avoid wrecks and navigate traffic. But some purists argue it takes away a layer of challenge and instinct.
Gibbs, known for his aggressive but calculated style, finds the idea of stripping that aid intriguing. “I just want to see what it would look like,” he said with a grin, per the conversation with Earnhardt Jr. “It would be a whole different beast.”
The context: A young star on the rise
Gibbs isn’t just any voice in the garage. At just 22, he’s already a race winner and a serious playoff threat. His Iowa victory was a statement, showing he can dominate on a demanding track. So when he speaks, even in jest, people listen.
The suggestion comes at a time when NASCAR is constantly tweaking rules to improve racing. From aero packages to stage racing, the sport has embraced change. But digital mirrors have been a staple since 2022, and no one has seriously proposed removing them—until now.
Why it matters
If NASCAR ever did experiment with taking away digital mirrors, it would force drivers to rely more on spotter calls and their own spatial awareness. That could lead to more side-by-side racing and perhaps more incidents, but also more drama.
Fans often debate whether technology is diluting the purity of stock car racing. Removing a high-tech aid would be a nod to the past, even if it seems counterintuitive in an era of increasing sophistication.
Gibbs himself isn’t pushing for a change, just curious. “I’m not saying it’s better or worse,” he clarified. “I just wonder what it would look like.”
The bigger picture
This isn’t the first time drivers have floated radical ideas. From removing the rear wing to banning certain setup tricks, the sport has a history of out-of-the-box thinking. Gibbs’s comment adds to that tradition, sparking discussion among fans and insiders.
For now, the digital mirrors stay. But Gibbs’s playful remark highlights a generation of drivers willing to question the status quo. And with the Chase looming, he’s got bigger fish to fry—like chasing a championship.
As he prepares for the playoff run, Gibbs’s focus remains on winning races. But his suggestion about digital mirrors will linger in the air, a reminder that even in a high-tech sport, sometimes the old ways still appeal.
Whether NASCAR ever takes him up on the idea is another matter. But you can bet that if they do, Ty Gibbs will be first in line to test it.
