Chase Briscoe is preparing for what could be the most significant challenge of his NASCAR career. Starting in the 2025 season, Briscoe will take over the No. 19 car for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), replacing Martin Truex Jr. This move, filled with high expectations, marks his departure from Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) and positions him with one of NASCAR’s most dominant teams.
Briscoe has been candid about the pressures of this transition. “I love the pressure side, but I do think this is probably the most pressure I’ve ever been under in my life, professionally,” he shared in an interview with NASCAR. Joining JGR comes with an elevated standard of performance, unlike anything he has faced before. Reflecting on the shift, Briscoe noted, “There have been times where my career was nearly over, but this feels different. At JGR, there are no excuses—you have to perform. The expectations here are unlike any I’ve encountered.”
This career-defining move coincides with SHR’s closure at the end of the 2024 season, a decision impacting both drivers and employees. Briscoe’s tenure at SHR included achievements like his 2022 victory at Phoenix Raceway, but the team’s inconsistency hindered his ability to reach his full potential in the Cup Series. Now approaching his 30s, Briscoe is recognized as a rising talent with room to grow, and his shift to JGR is seen as an opportunity to unlock that potential.
At JGR, Briscoe will collaborate with James Small, Truex’s former crew chief, whose expertise has been instrumental in eight Cup wins. This partnership is expected to provide Briscoe with the tools needed to meet the team’s lofty expectations. Meanwhile, Truex, a revered NASCAR figure, will retire after the 2024 season, leaving behind a legacy of 34 Cup wins and a 2017 championship. As he transitions into an ambassadorial role, Briscoe faces the daunting task of filling his shoes but remains determined to rise to the occasion.
Briscoe also brings continuity to the No. 19 team with Bass Pro Shops continuing as his sponsor, offering a sense of stability amid the changes. Comparing his experiences at SHR and JGR, he acknowledged the stark contrast in expectations. “At SHR, we weren’t expected to win weekly, so winning was a bonus. At JGR, being at the front every weekend is the norm. It’s a completely different mindset,” he said. Briscoe is ready to embrace the challenge and prove himself in this pivotal phase of his career.
