The Martin Truex Jr. racing transition at Joe Gibbs Racing reached a pivotal moment in 2025 as Chase Briscoe stepped into the No. 19 car after Truex’s retirement, dramatically altering team ambitions and performance. This move introduced new challenges and opportunities for crew chief James Small, whose leadership would be tested under these changing circumstances.
Truex’s Era Ends, Opening the Door for Briscoe
Martin Truex Jr. had joined Joe Gibbs Racing in 2019, following his 2017 Cup title win with Furniture Row Racing. Although James Small took over as crew chief in 2020, their success was short-lived after an impressive runner-up finish in the 2021 standings. For the next three years, the team struggled to break into the top ten, placing pressure on Small’s leadership and strategy as the team tried to recapture its old form.
Immediate Impact and Record Breaks by Briscoe
The transition in 2025 from Truex to Briscoe was not a simple handover but rather a defining crossroad for the entire crew. Instead of a cautious start, Briscoe delivered impressive results from the outset. He led the grid in pole positions, finished second in top-10 results, tied for the highest tally of top-five finishes, matched the best average starting position, and equaled the top number of lead-lap finishes throughout the season. Briscoe’s surge reignited the team, and he secured third place in the championship standings, making it his most successful year to date and restoring the No. 19 car as a serious championship contender.
Small’s Learning Curve and Leadership Evolution
James Small saw the year’s metrics as a clear reflection of steady growth, achieved through preparation and teamwork. Looking back, Small noted the challenges and growth that came with working alongside a new driver and supporting cast, requiring adjustments and personal development as crew chief.
“We’ve been incredibly consistent, incredibly fast, and we’ve executed through a number of races really well as a group. It’s a very, very different challenge, obviously, with completely different drivers in how they go about their business. For me, it was also a huge learning experience in trying to better myself as a crew chief and work with somebody completely different, and change the way we go about doing things.”
– James Small, Crew Chief
A Year of Change and Rapid Team Evolution
The overhaul occurred rapidly, with process and mindset rebuilt in just twelve months. Small took satisfaction in how the collaboration between new personnel and the incoming driver delivered stable performance across a spectrum of tracks and conditions. This fast adaptation stemmed from persistent effort and mutual trust, despite both sides facing daunting learning curves.
Challenges and Adjustments During the 2025 Campaign
Even after securing the Daytona 500 pole, Briscoe and his team encountered stretches of uneven momentum. Both the new driver and supporting crew needed to grow accustomed to unfamiliar cars, roles, and internal processes. As a result, perfect execution occasionally slipped away in the early phase of the season, further highlighting the scale of the transformation underway.
Looking Forward: High Hopes and Mounting Expectations
Now, with communication improved and relationships forged, James Small is convinced that the period of adjustment is complete. Facing a new season, the focus is shifting decisively from experimentation to relentless pursuit of race victories. The responsibility for translating consistency into championship-caliber wins will rest squarely on Small, whose job is to ensure the No. 19 team remains a threat as the Martin Truex Jr. racing transition recedes into history and a promising new era begins.
