NASCAR: Joe Gibbs Racing's new Crew Chief for 'The Grandson'

Ty Gibbs, the little grandson of Joe Gibbs, owner of JGR, has not been doing so well in the NASCAR Cup Series this year, so Grand pop has pushed for a change.

Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) director of competition Chris Gabehart announced Wednesday that Robert “Cheddar” Smith (pictured above) has joined the No. 54 team in the role as car chief.

Ty Gibbs, driver of the #54 Monster Energy/Interstate Batteries Toyota, poses for photos after winning the pole award during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25, 2024 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images) — Ty Gibbs, driver of the #54 Monster Energy/Interstate Batteries Toyota, poses for photos after winning the pole award during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25, 2024 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Smith will get started this weekend at Darlington. Gabehart revealed the news on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

🗣️ “It’s a great opportunity to get someone with that level of experience, know-how, tenure and demeanor.”

Chris Gabehart (@CG1751) speaks on the addition of championship winning car chief Robert “Cheddar” Smith to the No. 54 team starting this weekend at Darlington. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/tACtqdpPAb

— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) April 2, 2025

“It’s a great opportunity to get someone with that level of experience and know-how and tenure and demeanor. From afar, never rubbed shoulder to shoulder but I think Cheddar’s leadership kind of goes without saying. I think it’s gonna add a ton of depth to the team and help the other mechanics and engineers find their way. And have a great presence at the window net for Ty, which I think is really important. That’s definitely something I’m looking forward to.”

Smith spent 12 years alongside Rodney Childers, notably serving as car chief for the No. 4 car and Kevin Harvick. He was with the No. 7 team at Spire Motorsports this season. Now, he makes the move to JGR to help the No. 54 team get back on track.