Chase Briscoe is gearing up for what might be the most pivotal challenge of his NASCAR career as he prepares to replace Martin Truex Jr. in the No. 19 car for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) starting in 2025. This transition marks a significant shift for Briscoe, who is leaving Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) to join one of NASCAR’s most successful teams, a move that comes with lofty expectations. Reflecting on the opportunity, Briscoe shared his thoughts with NASCAR, stating, “I thrive on pressure, but this is probably the most intense professional pressure I’ve ever faced.”
Briscoe emphasized the heightened expectations at JGR, a consistent frontrunner in the NASCAR Cup Series, compared to his time at SHR. “There’s been times in my career where I was on the verge of it ending, but this feels different. At JGR, there are no excuses. You have to perform. That’s the standard,” he said.
The announcement of Briscoe’s move coincided with SHR’s impending closure at the end of the 2024 season, a decision that has affected not only Briscoe but also his teammates and the organization’s employees. During his time at SHR, Briscoe achieved notable highlights, including a victory at Phoenix Raceway in 2022. However, the team’s inconsistency often limited his ability to showcase his full potential in the Cup Series. Now nearing 30, Briscoe is regarded as a driver with immense potential, and his move to JGR is seen as an opportunity to take his career to new heights.
At JGR, Briscoe will work with James Small, Truex’s former crew chief, whose experience and success, including eight wins with Truex, will be crucial in helping him adapt and succeed. Briscoe acknowledged that the expectations at JGR will be unlike anything he has experienced before. “At SHR, winning was great but not a weekly expectation. At JGR, you’re expected to be at the front every weekend. It’s a completely different environment, and I’ll have to adjust,” he said.
Briscoe’s new chapter begins as Martin Truex Jr. retires at the end of the 2024 season. Truex, a former champion with 34 Cup wins, leaves a lasting legacy in the sport as he transitions into an ambassadorial role. While stepping into Truex’s shoes is no small task, Briscoe is determined to rise to the occasion. Maintaining Bass Pro Shops as a sponsor provides a sense of continuity as Briscoe prepares to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead.
