J.D. Gibbs undergoing treatment for ‘brain function’ issues

J.D. Gibbs, co-owner of Joe Gibbs Racing and son of former NFL coach Joe Gibbs, is undergoing treatment for symptoms related to brain function, the team announced Wednesday.

A news release from the team did not assign any specific diagnosis to J.D. Gibbs’ problem but said he had experienced “a gradual onset of symptoms that includes speech and processing issues.”

“Gibbs’ 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,” the statement said.

Gibbs, 46, has served as JGR’s president since October 1997. He is a former college football player at William & Mary and made nearly 30 starts in what are now known as NASCAR’s K&N Pro, Xfinity and Truck series between 1999 and 2002.

“All members of the NASCAR and France family extend our thoughts and prayers to J.D. Gibbs and his loved ones,” NASCAR Chairman 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.”

Several NASCAR drivers, both current and former members of the JGR organization, posted messages of support on their respective Twitter accounts on Wednesday.

The JGR statement said Gibbs will continue to undergo more testing and treatments to help manage his symptoms. His presence at the track during NASCAR race weekends is expected to be limited, but he is expected to maintain many of his day-to-day responsibilities at JGR’s headquarters in Huntersville.

This story was originally published March 25, 2015 at 9:26 PM with the headline "J.D. Gibbs undergoing treatment for ‘brain function’ issues."