Jeffrey Epstein, who was arrested in 2019 on federal charges of sex trafficking minors, was accused by prosecutors of operating an abuse network involving underage girls. Following the latest release of files related to the investigation, he is back in public discourse, and most unexpectedly, in NASCAR circles, too.
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The U.S. Justice Department began releasing additional files related to Epstein earlier this week, including records connected to lawsuits against his associates. The released details include emails, depositions, contact lists, and personal writings collected during the investigations.
And one of the documents released by authorities surfaced on Reddit, sending shockwaves through the NASCAR community. There was a brief mention of Joe Gibbs in the files. The documents, which include raw personal writings preserved as part of the broader Epstein case record, contained a fleeting reference to the NASCAR Hall of Famer.
Of course, the documents contain raw material rather than verified findings. So, names may appear without any accompanying allegation or proof of criminal conduct. And while there is mention of Gibbs, there was no accusation of wrongdoing against him, nor did it describe any inappropriate conduct.
However, the appearance of such a prominent figure in the material tied to one of the most notorious criminal cases in recent history rattled fans. After reading the document, they expressed confusion and concern.
“Days like today, I wish I never grew up, and I still just thought of all these people I watched be involved in racing around in circles as superheroes. Instead, I have to cringe every time I look at any Brian Vickers diecasts I own [ which sucks since I really like his 2006 car],” commented a fan.
Another weighed in, saying, “This was very creepy to read, I will say.” A third fan states, “Seems like a big jump to claim that off of a one-off mention of him.”
One fan touched upon how big the whole scandal is. “IMO, this shit show runs so far deep that we may never know. Not saying Gibbs is guilty, but my goodness, this crap goes so far into a rabbit hole. Makes me want to completely shut off any following of “elite” status because what you thought was good turns to freakin’ shit,” they said.
In the handwritten sections, which appear to be personal notes or journal entries from a reported victim, Gibbs is described briefly and in positive terms, unlike some others named in the same passages. The text outlines no action, interaction, or allegation involving Gibbs.
However, the fact that he was mentioned in the document shows that there was some link between Epstein and Gibbs, which has upset a huge section of the NASCAR community. And the resurfacing of another document added to the dark cloud over Gibbs.
Another document that seems to connect Gibbs and Epstein
The document, dated January 2023, happens to be a standard aircraft passenger release and indemnity agreement tied to Joe Gibbs Racing. The waiver, commonly used by organizations operating private aircraft, releases the company from liability related to air travel risks. It contains no references to Epstein, minors, or any illegal activity.
Such waivers are routine across professional sports, including NASCAR, and are designed to protect teams from civil liability in the event of injury or accident during private travel. Even so, the document’s circulation alongside Epstein-related materials fueled online speculation.
There is no indication in these documents that Gibbs was involved in any wrongdoing. One possible explanation raised online is that an aircraft associated with Gibbs or his organization may have been used by someone later linked to the scandal rather than by the NASCAR icon personally.
In 2020, unrelated to these documents, former Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder, whose franchise Gibbs coached from 1981 to 1991, had also been mentioned in connection with Epstein-related reporting. However, Snyder sued the outlets MEAWW (Media Entertainment Arts WorldWide) for publishing stories that claimed he faced sex trafficking allegations and was “on Epstein’s list.”
This was not the first time a NASCAR personality’s name was entangled with Epstein. Former Joe Gibbs Racing driver Brian Vickers’s wife, Sarah Kensington, also known as Sarah Kellen, was said to be a personal secretary to Epstein and reportedly helped him procure underage girls for sexual exploitation.
