James Small, best known for his tenure as the Martin Truex Jr crew chief with Joe Gibbs Racing, officially became a United States citizen along with his family after over a decade in the country. The announcement, made on December 12, 2025, marks a significant milestone in his personal and professional journey within American motorsports.
James Small’s Path to US Citizenship
James Small began pursuing his dream of working in motorsports more than twelve years ago when he left Melbourne, Australia, to settle in the United States. His ambitious career move required adapting to a new culture, a highly competitive field, and long-term dedication. Over those 12 years, Small gradually built his reputation, advancing through various roles before achieving the high-profile position of crew chief at Joe Gibbs Racing for Martin Truex Jr’s #19 car.
His recent citizenship achievement delivers professional security, providing him with more flexibility for career changes or team transitions in NASCAR, the premier American stock car racing series. The move also allows his family to gain stability and the rights afforded to US citizens.
“12+ years in the making… today we’re officially U.S. citizens! Beyond grateful to call America home. What a privilege!”
— James Small, Crew Chief for Joe Gibbs Racing
Career Development: From Engineer to NASCAR Crew Chief
James Small’s journey in motorsport started in Australia’s Supercars Championship. However, his aspirations took him across the Pacific, where he accepted an engineering role with Richard Childress Racing in the United States. Demonstrating both determination and technical expertise as he moved through several teams, Small joined Joe Gibbs Racing in 2019 as the lead engineer for the #19 Toyota team and was rapidly promoted to crew chief.
Reflecting on his progression within NASCAR and JGR, Small once shared how much it meant to him to earn trust from leadership and drivers.
“Having the confidence of Coach, Martin and everyone at JGR means a lot to me. I moved to the United States six years ago to work in NASCAR and I wanted to work my way up to become a crew chief.”
— James Small, Crew Chief for Joe Gibbs Racing
Together with Martin Truex Jr, Small achieved eight race wins before Truex Jr’s retirement at the close of the 2024 NASCAR season. His strategic insights and leadership on pit road played a crucial role in the team’s performance, strengthening his reputation within NASCAR.
The Implications of Citizenship for Small and His Family
Achieving US citizenship is a significant accomplishment for anyone seeking a long-term career in the United States, and especially so in NASCAR, a sport rooted deeply in American tradition. For Small, this status not only affirms his personal commitment but also bolsters his career standing. As a citizen, he will now find it easier to transition between teams or roles if he chooses to do so in the future, and his family gains lasting security and opportunity.
Looking Ahead for James Small
Although Martin Truex Jr has retired, Small remains active in the sport; he has taken on the role as crew chief for Chase Briscoe ahead of the 2026 NASCAR season with Joe Gibbs Racing. Now able to fully call the US his home, Small looks toward further achievements in the next chapters of his motorsports career.
James Small’s story underlines the determination involved in reaching the top levels of stock car racing and demonstrates how personal milestones like citizenship can have a lasting impact—both professionally and personally—in a sport so closely tied to American identity.
12+ years in the making… today we’re officially U.S. citizens! 🇺🇸🇺🇸
Beyond grateful to call America home. What a privilege! 🦅 pic.twitter.com/zq6Y5fIO34— James Small (@james_small) December 12, 2025
