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Chase Briscoe is about to embark on what is arguably the biggest professional challenge of his NASCAR career. The versatile driver is ready to replace Martin Truex Jr. in no. 19 car for Joe Gibbs Racing starting the 2025 season, a move that brings huge expectations. As Briscoe leaves Stewart-Haas Racing, he recognizes the formidable pressure that comes with joining a team like JGR, a dominant force in the sport.
Briscoe has openly expressed his feelings about this possibility, via NASCAR.
“I love the press side, but I think this is probably the most pressure I’ve ever been (under) in my life, professionally,” he said. This move is significant not only because of the team change, but also because of the standard of performance expected at JGR, a front-runner in the NASCAR Cup Series. Briscoe further reflected on his current situation.
“It’s weird because there have been other times where my career would literally be over, right? But I feel like this is one of those opportunities where there are no excuses if you don’t perform. Like, you have to perform at JGR. So from that point of view it’s different because everywhere else there really hasn’t been that expectation.”
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News of this career change came with Stewart-Haas Racing’s impending closure at the end of the 2024 season. Briscoe, along with his teammates, have been affected by this major upheaval. His move to JGR was prompted by SHR’s decision, which not only affects drivers but also hundreds of employees. At SHR, Briscoe recorded a string of accomplishments, including a win at Phoenix Raceway in 2022. However, the team’s on-track inconsistency had yet to allow him to fully explore his potential in the Cup Series.
Briscoe, now approaching 30, is considered a promising talent ready for growth. His move to JGR should open up new opportunities to demonstrate his true abilities, especially now that he is set to partner with James Small, Truex’s former crew chief. Small’s experience and success with Truex, including securing eight wins during their tenure, will be invaluable to Briscoe as he looks to deliver results that meet JGR’s high expectations.
Martin Truex Jr. will retire after the 2024 season. A respected figure in the sport, Truex closes out an impressive career with 34 Cup wins and a championship title from 2017. His departure leaves big shoes to fill as Truex transitions into an ambassadorial role, but Briscoe is determined to rise to the challenge despite the pressure. Briscoe’s continuity with Bass Pro Shops as a sponsor helps maintain some familiarity and support despite the changes.
“SHR, where we were as a company was completely different. We weren’t really expected to win. And if you win, it’s great, right? It’s great. But you weren’t expected to win week in, week out, where at JGR, you’re expected to be in front every single weekend. So from that point of view, it’s going to be completely different than anything I’ve really had in my career to figure out,” he said.
