Denny Hamlin on Chase Briscoe improvement has become a topic of discussion as Briscoe transitioned to Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) for the 2025 NASCAR season, stepping into the #19 Toyota left vacant by Martin Truex Jr. Briscoe’s first year with JGR has already delivered a win at Pocono and more than seven top-five finishes, sparking conversation about what fueled his dramatic surge in performance.
Chase Briscoe’s Challenging NASCAR Journey Before JGR
Chase Briscoe faced significant obstacles during his four-season stint at Stewart-Haas Racing, where playoff appearances proved elusive except for a single breakthrough. The sudden departure of Stewart-Haas from NASCAR meant Briscoe found himself in a new environment, taking on a major opportunity and responsibility by replacing Martin Truex Jr. in the competitive JGR lineup. This partnership with seasoned driver Denny Hamlin came under considerable scrutiny, with observers questioning whether Briscoe could measure up to the standard set by his predecessor.
Early Struggles and Critical Adjustments at JGR
Despite initial skepticism, Briscoe quickly began to carve out results in his new role, securing a position in the playoffs not long after his arrival. Denny Hamlin reflected on the transition, noting that Briscoe’s early period with JGR involved a steep learning curve as he adapted from a smaller setup at Stewart-Haas to the comprehensive, high-pressure environment at JGR. According to Hamlin, the primary challenges stemmed from differences in car handling and team operations, as Briscoe had to grasp an entirely new approach to both engineering collaboration and in-race feedback.
“I think at the beginning it was a struggle. I think he struggled with understanding how differently our cars drove, Now, that direction got sent, you know, the way our cars drive got sent through meetings, where us drivers are sending our engineers down a path of, this is what we want out of our cars. And it was different than what he had had over at Stewart-Haas and the other places that he was.”
—Denny Hamlin, Dale Jr. Download
Hamlin highlighted that Briscoe’s willingness to listen, learn, and adapt was crucial for his progress. The differences between his previous team and JGR included not just car setup but also the flow of information between drivers and engineers, with Hamlin emphasizing how driver input directly shapes the team’s technical direction.
The Turning Point: Briscoe’s Growth and Improved Performance
As the 2025 season advanced, both Hamlin and Briscoe demonstrated heightened performance levels, coinciding with an increasingly heated championship race. In Hamlin’s view, JGR’s more intense work ethic and the pressure to deliver consistent feedback pushed Briscoe out of his comfort zone. This pressure, Hamlin suggests, eventually led Briscoe to “find his rhythm,” mastering both the unique handling traits of the Toyota and the expectations of the crew. Gradually, Briscoe began to manifest the promise that many had hoped to witness at JGR.
“So, I think he struggled with, ‘Holy crap, man. These things are loose in, and all kinds of things. This is not what I’m used to.’ And I think he’s understanding now kinda how to drive our cars, and I think he’s also understanding the feedback that he needs to give the team and to make his cars better and drive better for him. I think that just took a little bit of time and now we’re starting to see it.”
—Denny Hamlin
This phase of adaptation saw Briscoe evolve his approach to both driving and communicating within the organization. Hamlin emphasized that the process was gradual, requiring Briscoe to unlearn certain habits from Stewart-Haas and adopt new strategies that fit JGR’s philosophy. As a result, Briscoe’s chance to secure a playoff position became reality, affirming Hamlin’s belief in his teammate’s capabilities.
A Tight NASCAR Season and What Lies Ahead for Briscoe
The 2025 NASCAR campaign has intensified, with multiple teams and drivers matching each other in skill and strategy. With just five races remaining, all eyes are on Chase Briscoe as he strives to capitalize on his momentum and fulfill the hopes of both JGR and the passionate fanbase. The pressure is immense, but the narrative around Denny Hamlin on Chase Briscoe improvement continues to build with each lap and every finish near the front of the pack.
Key figures like Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr. have underscored the critical role that team culture, technical feedback, and personal adaptability play in a driver’s performance transformation. The dynamic at JGR—shaped by experienced drivers, technical experts, and a results-driven approach—has provided Briscoe the tools to grow into a top contender.
As the series heads toward its conclusion, questions remain about whether Briscoe can sustain this resurgence through the high-stakes Cup Series championship. NASCAR fans, experts, and fellow competitors will be monitoring each race to see if Briscoe can elevate his reputation further and deliver results that cement his status within one of the sport’s elite teams. The story of Denny Hamlin on Chase Briscoe improvement highlights not only individual adaptation but also the impact of a supportive, challenging environment at the highest level of racing.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Beginning his full-time Cup Series career in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin has achieved remarkable success. He has 51 Cup Series wins and won the Daytona 500 three times (in 2016, 2019, and 2020). Over his career, he has also earned millions of dollars.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?
A. Denny Hamlin is set to marry Jordan Fish. As a child, she loved dancing, which led her to join the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats dance team. While performing at a Bobcats game, she met Hamlin. The team is now known as the Charlotte Hornets.
Q. How is Denny Hamlin so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin has built a $65 million net worth thanks to his NASCAR earnings, exceeding $100 million from contracts and race wins. He also benefits from endorsements with big brands like FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota. Additionally, he co-owns 23XI Racing, a team now worth over $100 million.
