Despite the widespread belief that NASCAR shops empty out between racing seasons, the Joe Gibbs Racing off-season proves to be anything but quiet, with staff and crew keeping the momentum going as they prepare for another competitive year. The organization, led by key figures like Dave Alpern and featuring drivers such as Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, Christopher Bell, and new addition Brent Crews, is determined to build on recent success and challenge for championships in 2026.
Behind the Scenes: Joe Gibbs Racing’s Unexpected Off-Season Activity
When the checkered flag drops and a racing season concludes, many outside the industry picture shops like Joe Gibbs Racing turning into deserted spaces—with cars gathering dust and the doors locked. However, early in the off-season, Joe Gibbs Racing used its social media platforms to reveal the reality, showcasing the relentless work that drives their ongoing success in the NASCAR world.
After closing the 2025 season with two drivers in the title hunt but missing out on the ultimate prize, the organization’s mission for 2026 is crystal clear: come back sharper, stronger, and ready to clinch the trophy. While drivers and high-profile events take a break, the heartbeat of the operation—the shop and its workers—never skip a beat.
Joe Gibbs Racing’s Staff Stays Busy All Year Long
The off-season buzz at Joe Gibbs Racing is no accident. Dave Alpern, JGR’s president, offered firsthand insight into how busy things get even during quieter times of the year. He debunked the idea that the shop becomes a ghost town, instead painting a picture of non-stop maintenance and preparation.
“Obviously, it’s a ghost town during Christmas week and around Thanksgiving…But at the same time, there’s more going on here on Thursdays and Fridays… So actually, later in the week, there’s more activity at the shop than there is during the week. And that’s when we do a lot of the things.”
— Dave Alpern, President, Joe Gibbs Racing
The shop does not slow to a halt. Instead, the off-season marks a critical rebuilding and maintenance phase. Pit boxes are rolled back in from the racetrack, taken apart for deep inspections and repairs that are impossible during the race calendar’s crunch. Carts and toolboxes are dismantled, cleaned, and put back together—tasks often left until there is time to dedicate proper attention to detail.
Additionally, many pit crew members return to the shop, even as some enjoy short breaks. Here, they rehearse pit stops, maintain equipment, and make refinements. Used vinyl decals from sponsor wraps are pulled off, stacking high in every corner, while shiny new wraps and sponsors await placement. Before long, newly prepped vehicles are assembled, and the entire operation rumbles to life again as a new countdown to Daytona begins.
“We might fix things around the shop, rearrange, paint, upkeep, different things that are hard to happen during the season. We redo the pit boxes. Once January rolls around, it is full bore, and there’s a ton going on, and we’re really already preparing for Daytona. So there’s usually quite a bit of hustle and bustle going on at the shop, even when we’re not traveling to the racetrack on the weekends.”
— Dave Alpern, President, Joe Gibbs Racing
Joe Gibbs Racing regularly provides fans with access behind the scenes through digital content and videos, which is a tradition dating back to at least 2023. This transparency not only fuels fan engagement but also highlights the team’s discipline, which has translated to on-track success season after season.
Strong 2025 Performance Sets the Stage for 2026 Goals
Reflecting on the 2025 season, Joe Gibbs Racing continues to benefit from the contributions of its star drivers and dedicated support staff. Denny Hamlin stepped up as the team’s leading force, winning six NASCAR Cup Series events and securing a significant contract extension. Meanwhile, rookie Chase Briscoe scored a standout victory at Talladega, making his way into the acclaimed Championship 4 and showing promise for the years ahead.
Christopher Bell maintained competitive consistency, further solidifying Joe Gibbs Racing’s reputation as a top-tier organization. Collectively, the team led over 10,000 laps across the season—a milestone during the current era of next-gen stock cars. Such statistics are not achieved without a committed effort from everyone involved, from the drivers on track to the pit crew, team engineers, and support staff within the walls of their operational headquarters.
Outside the flagship Cup Series, Joe Gibbs Racing also took home the 2025 Xfinity Series Owner’s Championship, marking their seventh title in the NXS category. This achievement reflects the group’s ability to juggle multiple programs at a championship level and points to a well of talent that continues to deepen season by season.
This collective success sets high expectations for the upcoming season. With the trophy just out of reach in the previous campaign, the mandate is to seize it. The organization prides itself not only on performance but also on providing new talent—including younger stars and pit crew hopefuls—the opportunity to learn and contribute.
Brent Crews Joins Joe Gibbs Racing as the No. 19 Driver in 2026
One of the most exciting announcements for the Joe Gibbs Racing off-season is the arrival of Brent Crews. At just 17 years old, Crews moves up to full-time competition, taking the wheel of the No. 19 Toyota in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. He is expected to compete in 29 of 33 races, with some absences permitted due to age restrictions outlined in NASCAR policy.
Crews, a Toyota development driver, has already shown plenty of promise through a strong run in the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Over ten starts in that division, he led upwards of 100 laps and finished second at the Charlotte Roval. Nine of these appearances came with TRICON Garage, while another resulted from his involvement in a truck team he co-owns.
Beyond trucks, Crews compiled an impressive record in ARCA, with six victories in 17 national starts as well as competitive outings in ARCA East and West. His entry into the No. 19 Toyota GR Supra marks a pivotal step forward for both the driver and the organization.
The No. 19 seat was a rotating one in 2025, with names such as Aric Almirola, Justin Bonsignore, Jack Perkins, Riley Herbst, Ty Gibbs, Chase Briscoe, and Christopher Bell all stepping up throughout the season. Thanks to their combined efforts, the No. 19 team clinched the Owners’ Championship, closing out the racing calendar with Almirola’s runner-up finish at Phoenix and multiple Xfinity Series wins under their belt.
The bar is set high for Crews, with the 17-year-old entering an environment filled with expectation but also opportunity. Supported by established veterans and the JGR organization’s infrastructure, he is eager to begin his 2026 campaign and add his own chapter to the team’s legacy.
Community, Transparency, and What Lies Ahead
Joe Gibbs Racing maintains a dedication to involving fans, employees, and future talent in the fabric of its operation, understanding that success depends on every contribution—from the pit lane to the boardroom. Regular behind-the-scenes glimpses, provided by employees and management, help break down the “ghost town” myth and showcase the pride taken in keeping things running smoothly, even as the lights dim on the racing season.
As preparations for Daytona in 2026 intensify, the momentum from 2025’s achievements continues to drive the team. JGR’s approach—combining experienced drivers like Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell, promising newcomers such as Brent Crews, and the steady leadership of Joe Gibbs and Dave Alpern—places it in a favorable position. The organization’s relentless commitment to performance and transparency ensures it remains a force in NASCAR, while also inspiring the next generation of racing talent and fans alike.
For the dedicated audience of sports fans—including those who follow NASCAR, the Olympics, and other top events—Joe Gibbs Racing stands as an example of how teamwork, preparation, and passion can continue at full throttle no matter the season.
