By Sunday 
If there’s anyone who’s earned the right to speak on handling combustible talent in NASCAR, it’s Joe Gibbs. The Hall of Fame coach-turned-racing-mogul has been at the wheel of some of the sport’s most high-powered personalities — both on the track and in the garage. But when asked who was harder to handle between Tony Stewart and Kyle Busch, Gibbs gave an answer that said a lot without naming names.
Two Titans. One Pit Box.
Tony Stewart and Kyle Busch weren’t just fast — they were fierce. And with that ferocity came the kind of energy that could either win championships or blow up a team meeting.
“They were both very super talented, and both of them a little bit alike,” Gibbs said on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast. “Every now and then there were some challenges. But really they helped build our race team; they really did.”
And he’s not wrong — Stewart brought home two Cup Series titles and 33 wins before leaving to start Stewart-Haas Racing. Busch, who joined the team the same year Stewart left (2008), tallied two championships and 56 wins under the JGR banner.
That’s a lot of trophies… and a whole lot of personality.
Managing Mayhem with Purpose
Gibbs didn’t shy away from the fact that working with Stewart and Busch wasn’t always smooth sailing. Both drivers had reputations for being brutally honest, ultra-competitive, and unapologetically intense — and they weren’t afraid to let it show, whether it was to the media, fans, or their own crew.
But instead of focusing on the drama, Gibbs highlighted the bigger picture:
“I appreciated both of them so much because… they won a ton.”
Rather than trying to tame the beasts, Gibbs explained that managing Stewart and Busch was all about channeling their energy. In other words — you don’t cage a lion, you teach it to hunt.
No Clear Favorite — Just Respect
When Harvick tried to press him on who was tougher to manage, Gibbs dodged the direct comparison. Smart move. Instead, he emphasized how similar the two were in what they brought to the team — raw talent, headstrong determination, and the kind of mentality that can win races… or spark controversy.
And in the end, both drivers were instrumental in building JGR into what it is today — a powerhouse built not just on lap times, but on grit, ego, and fire.
A Legacy of Passion
Gibbs’ comments remind us that in NASCAR, greatness doesn’t always come in neat packages. Sometimes, it comes with a little chaos. And that’s okay — as long as you know how to harness it.
After all, in racing and in life, fire can destroy… but it can also drive you to greatness.