Chase Briscoe, a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, has openly shared his admiration for Tony Stewart, whom he considers his motorsports hero, along with his ongoing hope to receive a helmet from Stewart—a promise that remains unfulfilled. The request stems from a personal exchange where Briscoe initially gifted Stewart a helmet as a tribute to Stewart’s legendary Home Depot car.
Briscoe explained his expectation was a helmet trade.
“I gave him the helmet, thinking he was going to trade me one back,”
he said. “And he didn’t.”
An Unexpected Prompt During a Hunting Trip Leads to a Renewed Promise
The story took a turn during the offseason, when Briscoe went hunting with Stewart and fellow driver Noah Gragson. At the airport afterward, a discussion about helmets sparked Briscoe to remind Stewart of his hope to receive one. Stewart encouraged him to reach out again when the Daytona race approached, promising he would bring a helmet then.
Briscoe recounted his follow-up message:
“I texted him the other day and said, ‘Hey, just a reminder, I don’t know if you were being serious or not, but it would be an honor and privilege to get one of your helmets,’”
and Stewart replied that the helmet would be special and thoughtfully prepared.
Daytona Arrives, But Stewart Delivers Helmet to Another Driver
When Daytona came around, however, Stewart brought a helmet—for Noah Gragson, not Briscoe. Briscoe expressed uncertainty over whether Stewart forgot or was genuinely still working on it:
“He brought Noah’s, so I don’t know if he forgot or if he’s being for real,”
Briscoe said.
“I hope he’s being for real.”
From Fan to Peer: Briscoe’s Unique Relationship with Stewart
For Briscoe, the helmet exchange symbolizes more than a gift. Growing up, Stewart was the driver he idolized most, especially for his iconic Home Depot car. Now racing alongside him, Briscoe finds himself in the unusual position of offering Stewart advice about the trucks Stewart is re-entering in competition.
Stewart is returning to NASCAR via the Truck Series race at Daytona, a move that has generated major excitement within the racing community—Briscoe included. He even sought out vintage Stewart merchandise to wear at the track, although sizing issues prevented him from finding a shirt that fit.
Briscoe shared his surprise about Stewart’s questions regarding the trucks, adding,
“In the back of my mind, I’m thinking, ‘why are you asking me? You’re in the Hall of Fame, not me.’”
Stewart’s Return Poses Significant Challenges Despite His Experience
Stewart approached the Daytona Truck Series event with more nerves than he showed. Facing a competitive field and preparing without the benefit of drafting practice—relying only on single-car runs—created a difficult scenario even for a three-time Cup Series champion and Hall of Famer. Briscoe’s perspective highlights the unexpected role reversal between them, where the veteran leaned on the knowledge of his younger peer.
The Helmet Promise Remains Alive as Briscoe Holds Out Hope
Despite the delayed delivery, Briscoe remains optimistic about receiving the helmet Stewart has promised. Stewart emphasized wanting the gift to be unique and meaningful, which Briscoe respects and expects to materialize. Aside from Stewart’s helmet, Briscoe also hopes to acquire one from sprint car legend Jack Hewitt, further showing the importance he places on memorabilia from racing icons.
The Stewart helmet would carry a special significance for Briscoe, serving as both a symbol of personal inspiration and a tangible connection to the man who shaped his own racing journey.
