The Chase Briscoe 2026 NASCAR season is already generating buzz, following a breakout year for the driver and Joe Gibbs Racing. In 2025, Briscoe filled the No.19 Toyota seat previously occupied by Martin Truex Jr., marking the end of an era for the team and the start of a hopeful partnership with crew chief James Small.
Briscoe’s arrival was seen as a fresh start, coming after Truex Jr.’s retirement at the conclusion of the 2024 championship. The initial phase of the 2025 season was challenging, but as the months progressed, Briscoe and Small developed solid chemistry, transforming the team’s performance and morale.
Breakout Performance in 2025 Positions Briscoe Among Elite Racers
Over the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, Chase Briscoe demonstrated resilience and skill. He secured three wins, landed in the top five fifteen times, and finished among the top ten in nineteen events. With a consistent average finish of twelfth place and a total of 5019 points, Briscoe concluded the campaign ranked third in the overall championship, narrowly missing out on overtaking Kyle Larson in the decisive Phoenix finale.
This impressive performance established Briscoe as not just a reliable contender, but one of the most consistent competitors in the series garage, signaling his readiness for an even stronger showing in 2026.
Redemption for Crew Chief James Small and Renewed Team Confidence
The rejuvenation of the No.19 team extended beyond Briscoe. For James Small, who had faced scrutiny after a difficult previous season with Martin Truex Jr., the turnaround represented a personal as well as professional victory. Throughout 2025, Small’s leadership and adaptability allowed the team to overcome early-season setbacks, leading to a resurgence of confidence in his strategy and calm under pressure.
“We have a really, really great team. Everybody’s willing to do whatever it takes. It’s a different atmosphere. The morale is naturally a lot higher right now. We can build toward the coming years. So, there’s not really any question of what’s going to happen. It’s how successful can we be?”
— James Small, crew chief, via RACER
Small acknowledged the value of experience, noting that each race and decision sharpened his abilities. This transformation strengthened trust within the team, creating a foundation for further success throughout the season and upcoming year.
“It comes with time and experience and every rep helps. It’s (about) trying to remain calmer throughout the races, make better decisions, and have trust in what you’re doing. I think there have been times you make decisions and beat yourself up afterward. You learn from that as well.”
— James Small, crew chief
How Briscoe’s Approach Revitalized the No.19 Team
Reflecting on the season, James Small shared how Briscoe’s arrival brought significant changes to the team’s dynamic and performance profile. Adapting to a new driver required both strategic and operational adjustments, but ultimately, it led to notable improvements in speed, reliability, and teamwork.
“We’ve been incredibly consistent, incredibly fast, and we’ve executed through a number of races really well as a group. It’s a very, very different challenge, obviously, with completely different drivers in how they go about their business.”
— James Small, crew chief
The pairing of Briscoe’s driving style with Small’s evolving approach brought a learning curve, but one that paid off in results. Small highlighted how the collaborative spirit within the group and Briscoe’s influence fostered a more effective process throughout the season. This synergy was credited for translating collective effort into tangible progress on race days.
“For me, it was also a huge learning experience in trying to better myself as a crew chief and work with somebody completely different, and change the way we go about doing things. A lot has changed in 12 months, and our process is very different. It’s rewarding to see the group effort of everybody, including Chase, pay dividends on the track with great performance.”
— James Small, crew chief
Anticipation Builds for 2026 NASCAR Season with Team’s New Outlook
James Small’s candid remarks reflect a team now aiming for nothing less than a shot at the championship as the Chase Briscoe 2026 NASCAR season takes shape. With the introduction of a new playoff system and expectations high, the partnership between Briscoe and Small is seen as a blueprint for sustained excellence. Fans and analysts alike are eager to watch how this revitalized crew will adapt, strategize, and contend for top honors in the upcoming year. As Joe Gibbs Racing prepares for another season under this new configuration, all eyes are on whether Briscoe and Small can turn recent progress into historic achievement on the track.
