Chase Briscoe’s Transformative Season with Joe Gibbs Racing
Chase Briscoe is navigating a significant evolution in his NASCAR Cup Series career as he steps into the No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. Following the retirement of 2023 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Martin Truex Jr., Briscoe has emerged as a contender, consistently finishing in the top half of the leaderboard and establishing himself as a playoff threat.
Briscoe’s mindset has shifted dramatically. Reflecting on his past experiences at Stewart-Haas Racing, he acknowledges the pressure of transitioning to a top-tier team. “It’s definitely different,” Briscoe stated in an interview. “When I first came to Cup, everything started to go downhill. You knew every weekend you could be in the mix or battling for 20th.” This year, in contrast, Briscoe finds himself recognized as one of the top competitors.
Over three races in the opening playoff round, he led all drivers with 133 points, finishing first, second, and ninth, making him the only playoff competitor to finish in the top 10 in every race. His dominant victory at Darlington Raceway, where he led 309 of 367 laps, was particularly notable, marking the first multiple-win season of his career.
Briscoe’s partnership with crew chief James Small has been crucial. Their collaborative efforts have led to a new team dynamic, emphasizing the importance of consistent performance and adjustments made through enhanced simulation work. Briscoe highlighted, “The sim stuff … allows the team to do so much more when the driver is present,” indicating a refreshed approach compared to the previous management under Truex.
Despite facing early-season struggles, Briscoe found momentum after pivotal tests and races, notably at Charlotte and Kansas, improving his comfort level and performance. Statistical evidence of this improvement includes two victories, 12 top-five finishes, and 789 laps led — all surpassing his prior four-year totals at Stewart-Haas Racing.
As the playoffs progress, Briscoe sits 12 points above the cutline with two races remaining in the Round of 12, positioning him well for a strong championship run. “It’s a wild feeling to compete for a Cup Series championship,” Briscoe remarked, signaling a newfound confidence and ambition as he seeks to capitalize on his elevated status within the sport.
