Tony Gibson's New Year's resolution came several months early, courtesy of a tap on the shoulder during the drivers' and crew chiefs' meeting at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Gibson turned to find Jimmie Johnson, who told his former colleague to call him after the pre-race meeting.
The point of the phone conversation with the six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion had zero to do with any technical, on-track concerns that might be shared among their Chevrolet-affiliated teams. Instead, the call set in motion a personal change for Gibson, pushing the 51-year-old crew chief toward a healthier lifestyle.
"He's like, 'Look, I've been thinking about you for the last three weeks,' and he said I want to get you healthy," Gibson recalled. "He said, 'We've known each other since I got into this and you've been a great friend to me.' He said, 'I'm worried about you. I'm worried about your health and I want to see you get healthy.' So I'm like, 'OK.' The next step was we got together and he's like, 'I'll take care of everything, I'll handle everything. We'll use my trainer. You just have to do it.'
"So I said, 'You know, if he's willing to go to the length of that and put that much effort into it, then I'm a fool if I don't.' So I took him up on it and I've been losing weight ever since."
The two have a friendship that dates back to Gibson's days with Hendrick Motorsports, where he was car chief for Jeff Gordon's No. 24 Chevrolet when Johnson joined the organization. Their bond continued as Gibson transitioned to Dale Earnhardt Inc. and later to his current post at Stewart-Haas Racing.
It's what prompted Johnson to connect Gibson with his personal trainer, Jamey Yon, who helped him build a tailor-made program of diet and exercise.
"Obviously, we've known him a long time and he was so welcoming to me when I came into the 24/48 shop back in the day, and he was just on my mind for whatever reason," Johnson recalled during last month's Charlotte Motor Speedway Media Tour. "I knew that he'd had a couple of little medical issues going along. I just wanted to help and I don't know if he was in a place to receive help or want help or desire to have help, but I just threw a softball out there to him and said, 'Man, I'll do anything I can. I'll get you hooked up with my trainer. Although it sounds daunting and you're going to get your butt kicked, we'll find the way. We'll get you on the right path.'
"He was in the right space and ready to go and has really made some big changes in his life. Looks great and clearly feels great."
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Johnson's role extends beyond fitness matchmaker. He's also helped keep Gibson accountable with frequent check-ins and text messages. Gibson has complied by sending pictures and updates on his progress, which he's maintained through the ever-tricky holidays and NASCAR offseason.
"During the wintertime, it's really, really tough, but I've done good," Gibson said. "I've maintained my weight through the winter. I got off a little bit, but I was able to get myself back on and stay focused. Now that the season starts, I'll be in pretty good shape."
The 2016 campaign will mark Gibson's second full season as crew chief for the No. 41 Chevy driven by Kurt Busch. The two clicked last year, pairing for two victories and a deep run into the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup playoffs.
Busch has sung the praises of Gibson's efforts as the two developed chemistry through their first season together. Now Busch is acknowledging Gibson's dedication to making positive personal changes as he sees a slimmed-down version of his crew chief atop the No. 41 pit box.
"Health is a big issue across America, but health is an issue with our sport because of how much we're on the road and really how our season is shaped," Busch said. "We have a regular season of 26 races but then you have to be your best at the end (the Chase's 10 races), and if you're worn out mentally, physically, you're fatigued, health can come into play on giving you an edge."