Ty Gibbs has declared the digital camera mirrors in NASCAR vehicles a flaw that should be straightened out as the Cup Series heads into the playoffs.
Gibbs’ Take on the Digital Mirror Dilemma
During a recent appearance on the Dale Jr. Download, Gibbs shared that the technology—while useful—has become overly beneficial for drivers. “If you removed the digital camera from the car, the competition would sharpen,” he told host Dale Earnhardt Jr. “Some of the present Cup drivers might not have survived the cutbacks in that scenario.”
He added a comparison that caught listeners’ attention. “It’s the same mirror you find on a transit bus. When I saw one in L.A., I knew the Cup car looked identical in those lenses. Funny coincidence.”
Why a Return to Analog Might Improve Racing
When Earnhardt suggested reviving the older, analog mirrors he had used, Gibbs agreed wholeheartedly. “A hundred percent for it,” Gibbs replied. He underlined that while modern mirrors provide a cleaner field in muddy or dirty air, the extra clarity can tempt drivers to keep the in‑car display instead of focusing on the track. “It’s easier to glance at your iPad and miss a line,” he said.
Gibbs recounted a session in 2024 when his radio failed with 25 laps remaining on a road course. “I had to rely entirely on the mirror, and it worked out because the camera stayed green until we finished the pit stop.”
Balancing Technology and Skill for the Chase
The No. 54 team, fresh off a win at Iowa Speedway, is eyeing the Chase as a title contender. Amid that ambition, Gibbs’ candid assessment of the digital mirror’s influence highlights an ongoing debate within the sport: where to draw the line between technological aid and pure racing skill.
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