The 37-year-old American race engineer, Tyler Allen, will take on the role of crew chief for Ty Gibbs from 2025.
Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announced that Tyler Allen will step up as crew chief for Ty Gibbs and the No. 54 team in the NASCAR Cup Series beginning in 2025.
Allen, a native of Bellevue, Washington, transitions to the Cup Series after an impressive debut year as an Xfinity Series crew chief in 2024.
During that season, he guided JGR’s No. 20 car to eight victories before switching to the No. 19 team late in the year.
Allen replaces Chris Gayle, who has worked with Gibbs since 2021.
Gayle will take on a new role as crew chief for the No. 11 team and driver Denny Hamlin in 2025.
Although Allen hasn’t previously served as a Cup Series crew chief, his credentials are notable.
He spent seven seasons as a race engineer under crew chief Adam Stevens, contributing to Kyle Busch’s 2019 Cup championship and helping achieve five Championship 4 appearances—three with Busch and two with Christopher Bell.
Allen stated in a team release,
“It’s an honor to be named crew chief for Ty Gibbs and the 54 team as we head into the 2025 season,”
Via NASCAR
Furthermore, he stated that this opportunity had always been his dream since he joined JGR 10 years ago.
Allen thanked his mentors and teammates for their support and guidance as well.
Additionally, he praised Ty and stated he was looking forward to getting car number 54 in the victory lane again.
“This opportunity has been a dream of mine since starting here at JGR 10 years ago, and I’m thankful for the support and guidance I’ve received from my mentors, teammates, and everyone along the way. Ty has shown a lot of speed and potential the last two years, and I look forward to building on that experience to get the 54 car in victory lane.”
Via NASCAR
Gibbs and Allen briefly worked together during the 2024 Xfinity Series season.
During their time together, they secured the pole position at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the BetMGM 300.
Gibbs led 27 laps in that race; however, he finished ninth.
Team owner Joe Gibbs praised Allen’s credentials, saying his success at the Cup level with them.
“Tyler Allen was successful at the Cup level with us while working under Adam Stevens and was impressive last season in the Xfinity Series leading that 20 team to eight wins while working with a number of different drivers. We have an exciting young and talented team on the 54 car.”
Via NASCAR
Gibbs is entering his third year in the Cup Series in 2025. However, he is still seeking his first win but showed considerable improvement in 2024.
He doubled his top-five finishes from four in 2023 to eight.
Furthermore, he earned two Busch Light Pole Awards and made his first NASCAR Playoffs appearance.
He finished 15th in the standings with a 17.4 average finish and 417 laps led.
Allen’s promotion leaves an opening in the Xfinity Series.
Veteran crew chief Jason Ratcliff will return to lead the No. 54 team with rookie driver Taylor Gray.
Ratcliff, who has amassed 72 wins across the Cup and Xfinity Series and claimed the 2009 Xfinity championship, expressed excitement about the opportunity.
“I’m thrilled to join Taylor and the 54 team for the 2025 season,”
Via NASCAR
Ratcliff said,
“After a year away from the track, I’m eager to return to the pit box every weekend. Taylor has the talent and determination to excel in NASCAR, and it’s our mission to help him achieve that success.”
Via NASCAR
Joe Gibbs welcomed Ratcliff’s return, saying,
“He has contributed so much to our organization over his career. It is also exciting to have Jason Ratcliff back on the pit box in the Xfinity Series to work with Taylor Gray next season.”
Via NASCAR
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Ty Gibbs was the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion.
- Ty Gibbs is also the co-owner of Joe Gibbs Racing.
