Chase Briscoe discovered early on after joining Joe Gibbs Racing that his new crew chief, James Small, is known for his straightforward and candid approach. Small, who previously worked with Martin Truex Jr. before his retirement and whom Briscoe replaced at JGR, has a direct style that immediately matched what Briscoe wanted after leaving Stewart Haas Racing.
This no-nonsense attitude from Small resonated with Briscoe, creating a foundation of trust and clear communication, which has translated into strong performance on the track. Briscoe’s return to JGR and partnership with Small marks a turning point for his career as he aims for consistent success.
Strong Results and Championship Aspirations
As the NASCAR Cup playoffs approach, Briscoe is enjoying the best year of his Cup career, marked by one victory, ten top-five finishes, twelve top-10 finishes, and a career-best six poles. With ten races left in the season, both Briscoe and Small are focused on their ultimate goal: winning the championship. Their challenge includes competing against top rivals such as his own teammates Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell, along with other leading drivers like William Byron, Kyle Larson, and Shane van Gisbergen.
While Briscoe handles the driving, Small is responsible for race strategy from the pit box, and this combination has proven effective so far. Their cooperation sets the stage for what could be an even more successful run during the upcoming playoff events.
Unique Communication Style Adds to Teamwork
Briscoe shared some lighthearted insights about the communication quirks he’s encountered with Small, who is originally from Melbourne, Australia. The differences in expression reflect Small’s background and add a distinctive flavor to their collaboration behind the scenes.
“I can’t say them on air, I’ll get in trouble. James’ vocabulary is definitely unique. I guess it’s just the Australian lingo,”
Briscoe joked during NASCAR Cup playoff media day. He also described a moment when Small used code words over the radio that momentarily confused him:
“We had one for A through like E or F or something like that. And he was saying D and I couldn’t understand what he was saying. He’s like D for (expletive) and I was like, ‘Okay. All right. Got it.’”
These exchanges demonstrate how their teamwork not only relies on technical skill but also on mutual understanding smoothed by humor and good rapport.
Adapting to Different Driving and Leadership Styles
Briscoe’s approach behind the wheel and in communication differs significantly from the driver he replaced. Martin Truex Jr. was known for a more aggressive style both on the track and in radio conversations, whereas Briscoe’s demeanor is more relaxed and even-tempered. Small has adapted to this change, finding a new rhythm with Briscoe that suits his personality.
Briscoe reflected on this dynamic, noting that his easygoing style provides a contrast to Truex’s intensity, and Small seems to appreciate the difference:
“Honestly, for James, I think it’s probably a nice change for him to have somebody that’s very, just easygoing and nonchalant all the time. Because Martin (Truex Jr.) I think would go back and forth. We heard it all the time.”
He also clarified that Small’s blunt communication style is natural and not intended to be rude, even if it can sometimes be misunderstood:
“For James, that’s just how he talks. It’s not like he’s coming off to be rude or anything. That’s just his natural demeanor and how he talks. And yeah, it definitely can get taken out of context a lot of the time.”
Briscoe recounted moments when he wanted to respond back to Small’s sharp remarks but chose restraint for the sake of their working relationship:
“There’s been times where I want to say something back. Like I’ll ask all the time, ‘Hey, what’s our teammates got going on?’ And he’s like, ‘Don’t worry about our teammates.’ I just like knowing that stuff. But I just don’t say nothing back ’cause there’s no point arguing back and forth.”
What Lies Ahead for Briscoe and Small
The partnership between Chase Briscoe and James Small has quickly evolved into one of the most promising collaborations in the NASCAR Cup Series, built on honesty, strategic expertise, and mutual respect. As the playoffs continue, their teamwork will be tested against some of the sport’s top competitors, including their own JGR teammates and other elite drivers.
Success in the upcoming races will depend not only on Briscoe’s skill behind the wheel but also on Small’s tactical decisions and their ability to communicate effectively under pressure. If their current momentum holds, they could emerge as strong contenders for the championship, making their synergy a key storyline in this year’s NASCAR Cup playoffs.
