Chase Briscoe Joe Gibbs Racing forged a new chapter in the 2025 Cup Series, pushing past early doubts to finish third in the driver standings, with a strong presence throughout the season. Their breakthrough followed the arrival of Briscoe, who teamed up with crew chief James Small, embarking on a campaign aimed at proving their critics wrong.
Pivotal Changes and Adapting to New Roles
Significant adjustments marked the start of the year for the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing team, as the lineup shifted after Martin Truex Jr.’s retirement. The team, including Small and the rest of the crew, had to quickly acclimate to Briscoe’s unique approach, while Briscoe himself was adapting to the demands and culture of Joe Gibbs Racing. Despite a rocky opening stretch, particularly before the first Kansas Speedway race, the team soon settled in, launching a run that saw them clinch three victories and a berth in the championship finale at Phoenix.
Briscoe’s Consistent Success Boosts Team Spirit
During the 2025 season, Chase Briscoe distinguished himself with impressive statistics, earning the most pole starts, ranking second in top-10 finishes, and tying for the most top-5 finishes of the year. His steady performance, following a turbulent stint at Stewart-Haas Racing, raised both his morale and the confidence of the group. James Small highlighted how process improvements and the team’s collective effort over the past twelve months directly led to on-track success and a more unified dynamic.
The Turning Point and Collective Confidence
The initial phase of the season put the team’s cohesion to the test, but their breakthrough following the Kansas Speedway contest set a new tone. From that point, the collaboration between Briscoe and the crew solidified, leading to sustained momentum. Small emphasized this transformation, noting how the group clicked and developed an unwavering focus through the latter part of the calendar.
Optimism for the Next Season and Beyond
With a strong foundation now established, the team’s outlook is ambitious as they shift into the next season. Small is confident that the adaptation period is behind them and believes the squad is primed for immediate victories and a true championship run in the coming year. As Small explained,
“We have a really, really great team. Everybody’s willing to do whatever it takes. It’s a different atmosphere. The morale is naturally a lot higher right now. We can build toward the coming years. So, there’s not really any question of what’s going to happen. It’s how successful can we be?”
–James Small, Crew Chief
Briscoe’s performance in 2025 was notable enough that a championship would have been beyond dispute, serving as a testament to both his own growth and the direction under Joe Gibbs Racing’s leadership. With renewed confidence and high team morale, all signs point to Briscoe and the No. 19 car being strong contenders as the 2026 Cup Series approaches, aiming for nothing less than the title.
