Chase Briscoe JGR cornerstone driver conversations are heating up after Joe Gibbs Racing’s owner, Joe Gibbs, spotlighted Briscoe’s impressive impact in his first season with the team. Briscoe has rapidly emerged as a leading force, securing a key playoff victory at Darlington that guarantees his place in the next round of the 2025 NASCAR playoffs.
When Briscoe stepped into the #19 car—previously driven by retiring NASCAR Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr.—expectations ran high. Since his debut with JGR in 2025, the Indiana-born racer has not only demonstrated remarkable speed but also established himself as a constant threat for wins, fueling thoughts that he could become the organization’s next foundation driver.
New Chemistry Propels #19 Team to the Top
Joe Gibbs recently discussed Briscoe’s inaugural year during a SiriusXM NASCAR Radio appearance, emphasizing how quickly Briscoe has gelled with crew chief James Small. According to Gibbs, this partnership has injected new energy and promise into the team, building excitement for the future at Joe Gibbs Racing.
“I think for all of us who been in sport to see kind of what has happened with James and Chase their chemistry in a very short period of time, that’s what I gosh. This is exciting because if we always talk about speed, if there’s one thing the #19 has is speed, they’ve been, you know. I think, six poles, more top fives and our starting average for us is first that car has showed speed. Now if we can keep that going then I think we got something that could make our time with Bass Pro Shops and our sport something special for the #19 car going forward.”
—Joe Gibbs, Team Owner
This quick development between Briscoe and Small has reenergized the #19 team, long considered one of JGR’s strongest units. The group, which needed to maintain its tradition of championship-caliber performance after Truex Jr.’s exit, appears to have found its next leader in Briscoe.
Key Stats Highlight Briscoe’s Rise
Briscoe’s figures in the #19 JGR Bass Pro Shops Toyota tell a powerful story: two race wins, six pole positions, 11 top-five finishes, and 13 top-10 results across 27 events, while leading for 628 laps and posting an average finish of 13.2. His recent triumph at Darlington not only clinched his spot in the Round of 12, but also propelled him to the top of the current championship standings.
The transition after Martin Truex Jr.’s departure was daunting for JGR, but the team needed more than just a replacement—they sought a driver capable of furthering their championship legacy. Briscoe, once viewed as a risky acquisition after a stretch of uneven performances at Stewart-Haas Racing, has quieted doubters with consistency and race-winning speed.
The Decision to Bet on Briscoe
Joe Gibbs revealed more insight into the team’s choice of Briscoe as their new lead. Gibbs emphasized how Briscoe’s personality and outdoor interests align well with affiliate Bass Pro Shops, a longtime sponsor of the #19 car.
“When we were talking about who’s going to replace Martin and when it came down to we kind of felt like Chase. Was the person we wanted to go with and he fits perfectly with bass pros. So that’s always a big deal. He’s a hunter and fisherman.”
—Joe Gibbs, Team Owner
Playoff Run and Future Aspirations
With a place in the Round of 12 already in hand thanks to his Darlington win, Briscoe now has his sights set on making his first career NASCAR Cup Series finale in Phoenix. His performance this season not only positions him as JGR’s emerging leader but signals a new era for the team’s flagship car.
As the 2025 playoffs intensify, Chase Briscoe is working to establish himself as the next cornerstone driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, turning a gamble into what could become one of the organization’s defining success stories. His progress will be closely watched as both fans and competitors anticipate what comes next in this breakout campaign.
