Briscoe’s Transition to Joe Gibbs Racing: A Season of Adjustments
Chase Briscoe, after four seasons with Stewart-Haas Racing, has stepped into a pivotal role at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) following Martin Truex Jr.’s departure from full-time competition. The 27-year-old driver quickly established his presence by securing the pole position for the Daytona 500—a significant achievement as it marked Toyota’s first pole at this marquee event.
However, the season has been a mixed bag for Briscoe, who finds himself consistently within playoff contention with four top-five finishes but lacking the race wins his teammates, Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin, have attained.
Higher Expectations at JGR
Briscoe acknowledged the stark difference in expectations at JGR compared to his previous team. “The expectation is so much higher at a place like JGR,” he noted, highlighting the heightened pressure felt during competition meetings after strong collective performances. He remarked, “At SHR, a top-10 for all cars would have felt like a huge accomplishment, while here it feels like a disappointment.”
Briscoe attributes part of his ongoing adaptation to the car’s capabilities, which he described as exceeding what he has previously experienced in the Cup Series. "I feel like we are not even close to our full ability," he stated, emphasizing the learning curve associated with harnessing the car’s potential in qualifying scenarios.
Recent Qualifying Success
Following earlier struggles in securing solid qualifying positions, Briscoe rebounded by earning pole for the Coca-Cola 600, marking a critical step in his quest for improved performance. “It all starts in qualifying,” he commented, referring to the strategic advantage provided by pole position in NASCAR’s longest race.
The No. 19 team has shown notable strength in points, yet Briscoe remains focused on achieving victory. “I want to win races—that is the main goal for me,” he asserted. Although he has achieved a commendable tally in top-five finishes, he admits feeling that he and the team have not yet approached their full potential.
Future Outlook
As Briscoe continues to acclimate to his new environment, he recognizes the importance of integrating his driving style with the JGR approach. “I’m still learning the car. It’s just a matter of putting all of those pieces together,” he explained, expressing optimism for what is to come this season.
With aspirations to replicate the success enjoyed by his predecessors at JGR, Briscoe aims to transform consistent performances into victories, a necessary adjustment if he hopes to make a significant mark in the championship race.
