Chase Briscoe has faced unforeseen challenges since transitioning to Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 19 seat following Martin Truex Jr.’s retirement and Stewart-Haas Racing’s decision to close after the 2024 season. The shift from Stewart-Haas to Joe Gibbs Racing has revealed more complexities than he initially expected during this critical phase of his NASCAR Cup Series career.
Adjusting to Differences in the Next Gen Car at Joe Gibbs Racing
Although Briscoe anticipated an easy adaptation between the Next Gen cars at SHR and JGR, he soon realized the differences were significant. On a recent appearance on Today, he candidly shared,
“I would say the transition has been truthfully harder than I thought it would be.”
He explained that assuming the cars would behave similarly just because they share Next Gen specifications was a misconception. Briscoe detailed,
“I just thought the cars would drive more similar, truthfully, just with the Next Gen car and how all the cars are the exact same, but just from a setup standpoint.”
However, he found the engines and aerodynamic profiles vary enough to create a steeper learning curve than he anticipated:
“Even the engines and the car’s bodies have a downforce. They definitely drive way different than I anticipated. So that’s been definitely, I would say, a little bit more of a learning curve than I expected.”
Despite these difficulties, Briscoe emphasized that acclimating to Joe Gibbs Racing’s systematic approach has broadened his understanding of the organization’s championship-level capabilities. He described the experience as “definitely been eye-opening,” as he becomes familiar with the team’s detailed processes and culture.
Comparing Performance Among Joe Gibbs Racing Drivers
This season, Briscoe has steadily competed behind strong teammates Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin, who have secured multiple victories, including Bell’s four wins and Hamlin’s two, ranking third and seventh respectively in the Cup Series standings. Briscoe sits twelfth after twelve starts, while fellow driver Ty Gibbs remains winless and occupies the 26th spot.
Transitioning from his previous role driving the #14 Ford at Stewart-Haas Racing to piloting the #19 Toyota, Briscoe is managing a tough learning process. Looking ahead, he shared his mindset:
“I want to win, especially when your teammates have been winning. It’s like, well, if they’re winning, we can win too.”
“It’s just frustrating when your teammates are winning, but it is still very, very new, and there are a lot of things that are different that I’m trying to get acclimated to.” —Chase Briscoe, NASCAR driver
While the adjustment phase continues, Briscoe has demonstrated competitive speed, finishing fourth in the Daytona 500 and earning top-five finishes at Homestead, Bristol, and Kansas. These strong outings hint at his potential as he and his team refine their performance through ongoing practice and race-day developments.
Looking Ahead: Briscoe’s Path Toward Success with Joe Gibbs Racing
Briscoe’s open reflection on his transition challenges highlights the complexity of adapting to a new team environment and car dynamics, even for experienced drivers. His honest assessment and gradual progress underscore Joe Gibbs Racing’s demanding standards and competitive environment. As Briscoe continues to synchronize with the organization’s systems and optimize his driving style, expectations remain high that he will soon translate his potential into consistent victories.
His journey also speaks to the broader theme of persistence amid change in the NASCAR Cup Series, emphasizing that even celebrated teams and talented drivers face steep hurdles when making significant adjustments. Chase Briscoe’s experience reinforces the importance of patience and adaptability as he settles into his role and aims to return Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 19 car to winning form.
