The difference in expectations between Joe Gibbs and Tony Stewart teams in NASCAR is more significant than many realize, according to Chase Briscoe, who transitioned from Stewart-Haas Racing to Joe Gibbs Racing after SHR closed at the end of last season. As Briscoe prepares for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, he openly discussed how the standards and atmosphere at Joe Gibbs Racing stand in stark contrast to his previous team.
Many fans assume that all NASCAR teams operate similarly, but Briscoe’s recent experiences have made it clear that each organization can demand vastly different levels of performance. After four years racing for Stewart-Haas Racing—a team that folded last year, leaving its drivers and crews to seek new opportunities—Briscoe now finds himself navigating a new set of expectations with Joe Gibbs Racing, an iconic name in the sport. He emphasized that the difference between the two organizations goes well beyond just their initials.
Briscoe said at Charlotte Motor Speedway, while preparing for NASCAR’s longest annual race, that the environment at JGR is unlike anything he experienced before. The bar for success at Joe Gibbs Racing is set much higher, and team members are expected to continually aim for victories and top finishes, not just solid results. For Briscoe, the adjustment has been significant—he is now required to constantly challenge himself to meet these elevated goals.
Sharing an experience with his father after the Bristol event, Briscoe highlighted how at JGR, all four of their cars finished in the top eight. Reflecting on his Stewart-Haas days, such a feat would have been celebrated as a remarkable team achievement. Yet, at Joe Gibbs Racing, finishing all cars in the top eight is discussed as though no one performed up to expectations. The culture is fundamentally about winning, and every week, both the cars and the company are pushed to deliver the best outcomes possible, affecting the drivers’ mindset and psychological approach.
That expectation change has been an adjustment for me. It is nice that it is back to that, but it is different than what I’ve been used to the last couple of years.
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
During his tenure with Stewart-Haas Racing, Briscoe racked up notable accomplishments, including two race wins, 13 top-five finishes, 30 top-ten placements, and playoff appearances in both 2022 and 2023, where he finished 9th and 14th, respectively, in the NASCAR Cup Series standings.
Since joining Joe Gibbs Racing, Briscoe has already secured four top-five finishes, five top-ten placements, and earned a pole position in just his first 12 races with the organization. Heading into the Coca-Cola 600, he currently sits 12th in points and remains well-positioned to compete for a spot in the playoffs. If he can clinch a win within the remaining 14 regular season events, his place in the 16-driver playoff field would be assured.
Qualifying Presents a New Challenge for Briscoe This Season
While Briscoe has quickly adapted to the higher standards at Joe Gibbs Racing, he admits that qualifying continues to be an area that needs improvement. The performance gap between past vehicles and his new JGR car has proven to be a significant adjustment, as he transitions to machinery capable of greater speed and handling than anything he managed in the Cup Series before.
Briscoe pointed out that in qualifying sessions, he often underestimates his car’s potential, habitually driving conservatively due to previous experience where caution was necessary, and his Stewart-Haas car demanded more measured input. The current car, however, allows him to push further, yet mental habits have been slow to change.
He noted that improving his qualifying performance could make race days smoother overall, as starting positions set the tone for each event. In previous years, qualifying had been one of his strengths, but adapting to the unique dynamics of the JGR cars has required a shift in approach. Consistently starting races from less favorable positions has forced him to work his way up through the pack, making each race more challenging.
Briscoe also mentioned that, despite limited stage points accumulated so far this season, the team is maintaining a solid position in the standings, which he attributes to consistently strong finishes even without running at the front all day. Still, earning better results in qualifying could significantly improve their chances as the season progresses.
As NASCAR’s long and competitive season continues, Chase Briscoe’s ongoing adjustments at Joe Gibbs Racing illustrate not just the difference in expectations between Joe Gibbs and Tony Stewart teams, but the crucial role organizational culture plays in shaping a driver’s performance and outlook. His season with JGR remains one to watch, especially with the playoffs approaching and ambitions set on reaching victory lane before the regular season concludes.
