Huntersville, NC (SportsNetwork.com) - Joe Gibbs Racing revealed on Wednesday that J.D. Gibbs, the team's president, is starting treatment for symptoms impacting areas of brain function, including speech and processing issues.
Gibbs is the 46-year-old son of JGR team owner Joe Gibbs, who is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and winner of three Super Bowls as the Head Coach of the Washington Redskins.
According to a news release from JGR, Gibbs has undergone a series of tests after experiencing a gradual onset of symptoms that includes speech and processing issues. His doctors believe the complications he has experienced were triggered by head injuries likely suffered earlier in life, but no specific injury was referenced or identified.
Gibbs played defensive back and quarterback at the College of William and Mary from 1987-90. He also had a brief career as a race car driver in NASCAR. Gibbs participated in several other sports such as mountain biking and snowboarding.
JGR also said that Gibbs will be undergoing more testing and receiving treatments to help manage the symptoms. During that time, it is expected that his presence at the racetrack will be limited. He will continue many of his day-to-day responsibilities at JGR's headquarters as well as involvement with his various ministry endeavors."
"All members of the NASCAR and France family extend our thoughts and prayers to J.D. Gibbs and his loved ones," NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France said in a statement. "We've all watched J.D. grow up within our community, and he always has represented himself, his family, the entire Joe Gibbs Racing organization and NASCAR with the utmost professionalism, enthusiasm and energy. We wish him the best during this time and eagerly anticipate his recovery."
JGR fields four cars in the Sprint Cup Series with drivers Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin and Matt Kenseth. The racing organization also has three teams in the Xfinity Series.
Gibbs has been with JGR since he joined his father to begin the team in 1992. He was named president of the organization in 1997.