One storyline that was perhaps lost when Stewart-Haas Racing re-signed Kurt Busch was the fact that Tony Gibson would no longer be his crew chief.
Gibson wasn't fired and he didn't quit, but after working in NASCAR for 31 years he expressed interest in getting off the road to spend more time with his family. SHR granted his request and the racing community has been busy congratulating Gibson on the change ever since.
Even NASCAR's executive vice president and chief racing development officer, Steve O'Donnell, got in on the action by Tweeting, "Hey @TonyOldman41 You are what this sport is all about. Will miss you at the track but happy for you. Thank you for being a guy everyone can look up to!"
https://twitter.com/odsteve/status/942192649204850688
To put the cherry on top, the last driver to race for Gibson shared a heartfelt message on social media reiterating what the veteran crew chief meant to his career.
It was an honor to work with you and drive your cars @TonyOldman41. True old school mechanic who adapted to the trends for 3 decades! https://t.co/v3vbc5sl1J
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) December 16, 2017
In 2017, the Gibson-Busch combo gave Stewart-Haas Racing its first Daytona 500 victory and also advanced to NASCAR's playoffs. The 39-year-old Busch has hopes of returning to victory lane at Daytona with new crew chief Bill Scott.
Related: After more then three decades, one of NASCAR's best known crew chiefs is leaving the road
The 60th running of "The Great American Race" will take place on February 18th.