Chase Briscoe’s arrival at Joe Gibbs Racing has ignited a fresh chapter for the No.19 team as they prepare for the Cup Series championship battle at Phoenix. Following his transition from Stewart-Haas Racing, Briscoe Joe Gibbs Racing quickly became a focal point, with dramatic team changes fueling momentum throughout the 2025 season.
Building a New Foundation for the No.19 Team
After Stewart-Haas Racing wrapped up operations at the close of the 2024 season, Briscoe made the move to Joe Gibbs Racing to fill the seat vacated by Martin Truex Jr.—a veteran and respected figure in NASCAR. With the #19 Toyota Camry XSE backed by Bass Pro Shops, the team underwent a significant rebuild. New faces joined the roster, including a fresh car chief named JD and an engineer, Kyle. These additions were critical, as the entire crew needed time to synchronize and develop chemistry, which would soon pay dividends on track.
James Small, the #19 crew chief, highlighted the changes in an interview with SiriusXM ahead of the championship showdown. Small shared,
“We’re in a much better place as far as all that goes. The team has done a phenomenal job this year. JD has been a great hire as car chief; he does a great job managing all the mechanics.”
– James Small, Crew Chief
Small further reflected on the progress, noting the successful growth of the engineering team and Briscoe’s adaptation:
“It’s been a great year, just trying to help some new engineers grow as well. It has been very fulfilling to watch Chase get better week to week, along with everybody else,” Small added.
– James Small, Crew Chief
Chase Briscoe Prepares for a Defining Championship Run
Chase Briscoe now stands on the verge of his most significant career moment, heading into the Championship 4 race at Phoenix Raceway on November 2, 2025. He will be up against fierce competitors, including teammate Denny Hamlin and Hendrick Motorsports stars Kyle Larson and William Byron, striving for his first championship across a demanding 312-lap contest.
Joe Gibbs Explains Choosing Briscoe to Succeed Truex Jr.
In a candid conversation with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90 in September 2025, Joe Gibbs discussed the team’s rationale for selecting Briscoe as the new anchor for the #19 Toyota. With Martin Truex Jr., the 2017 Cup Series champion, retiring after a standout tenure, the search for a successor focused on someone who could measure up to the high standards left behind.
Briscoe brought with him a strong record from his tenure at Stewart-Haas Racing, where he tallied two wins and two pole positions in the #14 Ford Mustang, showcasing potential and a competitive spirit. Joe Gibbs emphasized his enthusiasm about the team’s pace and prospects with Briscoe at the wheel:
“That’s what I—Gosh, this is exciting, because we always talk about speed. If there’s one thing the 19 has, it’s speed. They’ve been, you know, I think six poles more top five, and our starting average for us is first. That car has showed speed. Now, if we could keep that going, then I think we got something that could make, make, make our time with Bass Pro, and our sport, something special for the 19 car going forward.” [01:03]
– Joe Gibbs, Owner
Since donning the JGR colors, Briscoe has quickly made his mark. Across 35 starts, he earned three victories, captured 19 top ten results, notched 15 top fives, and secured seven poles. His consistent presence at the front of the pack—leading 881 laps and averaging a finish of 9.857—has underscored his successful integration into a team renowned for its high expectations and competitive pedigree.
The Impact of Briscoe’s Performance and the Road Ahead
Briscoe’s swift adaptation and the revitalization of the #19 team have redefined expectations for the Joe Gibbs Racing squad. With leaders like James Small, car chief JD, and a committed engineering staff, the organization is poised for a resurgence just as the stakes reach their peak at Phoenix. Supported by figures such as Tony Stewart, Joe Gibbs, and a lineup of elite drivers including Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, and William Byron, the coming championship battle promises high drama and the chance for Briscoe to deliver one of the season’s defining moments. All eyes will be on the No.19 as they attempt to transform this revival into a championship legacy on NASCAR’s grandest stage.
🗣️ "A lot's changed."@JoeGibbsRacing Crew Chief James Small discussed the growth of the No. 19 team as they get ready to race for a championship this weekend.
Full Interview: https://t.co/9V67SHwcGg pic.twitter.com/jxYvj3juTm
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) October 30, 2025
