Chase Briscoe has embarked on an exciting new chapter in his racing career, transitioning from Stewart-Haas Racing to Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). This move comes as a significant milestone, especially considering his predecessor was the accomplished Martin Truex Jr., a former NASCAR Cup champion who opted to step back from full-time racing.
Upon joining JGR, Briscoe immediately made headlines by securing the pole position for the prestigious Daytona 500, marking a notable moment as it was Toyota’s first pole in this iconic race. However, the season has been a mixed bag for Briscoe. While he has managed to qualify for the playoffs and achieved four top-five finishes, he hasn’t been able to clinch multiple victories in the way that some of his teammates, like Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin, have.
### Adjusting to New Expectations
Briscoe reflects on the shift in expectations that comes with being part of a team like JGR. “It’s definitely a different vibe,” he shared, discussing how the standards are markedly elevated at JGR compared to his previous team. “After the Bristol race, for instance, I noticed that all four JGR cars finished in the top eight. If we had managed a similar feat at Stewart-Haas Racing, we would have celebrated. But at JGR, during the competition meeting, it felt like we all finished in 30th place or worse. The expectations are high; you’re expected to win and have the best car week in and week out. This shift has been a significant adjustment for me.”
Briscoe acknowledges that he’s not yet at his full potential, largely due to the learning curve he’s experiencing with the new car and team dynamics. “I feel like we’re still far from reaching our full capabilities. A lot of this comes down to qualifying. The potential of these cars is much greater than what I’m accustomed to, and I find myself under-driving them at times. I have to remind myself that this car can handle more than I’ve learned to push in the past.”
### Qualifying Performance and Track Position
In a recent press conference, Briscoe expressed his desire to improve his qualifying results. His ambition bore fruit shortly thereafter when he claimed the pole position for the Coca-Cola 600. “We’ve been finishing well, but we haven’t consistently run up front,” he explained. “It all starts with qualifying.”
Having secured a prime position for NASCAR’s longest race, Briscoe felt optimistic about his chances. However, he also reiterated the challenges he has faced in the adjustment process. “The team has been performing consistently all year, but it’s been me who hasn’t driven aggressively enough,” he admitted. “This car has so much potential, and I’m still getting used to what it can do. In previous years, I would have struggled to keep control of my car, but this one is capable of so much more. It’s taken me some time to adapt, but I hope this pole position marks a turning point in my performance.”
### The Drive to Victory Lane
While securing poles and accumulating points are commendable achievements, Briscoe’s primary focus remains on returning the No. 19 car to Victory Lane. Truex, who had a challenging final season without a win, had previously claimed three races and the regular season title in 2023. In contrast, Briscoe has two career victories under his belt, both achieved during his time with Stewart-Haas Racing—one at Richmond in 2022 and another at the Southern 500 in 2024.
“I just want to win, honestly,” Briscoe emphasized. “While finishing in the top five is encouraging—especially since I’m only one away from my career high—I’m ultimately here to win races. It’s strange because, despite our results, it feels like we haven’t tapped into our full potential. James Small, my crew chief, and I have discussed how we haven’t even scratched the surface of what we’re capable of achieving.”
Briscoe recognizes that the process of developing a strong working relationship with his crew chief and becoming accustomed to the car is ongoing. “We’re still in the process of learning from each other,” he noted. “Even though we’ve been competitive, we both feel like we have much more to offer. It’s about piecing everything together. Earlier this season, I mentioned to everyone that by the time we reached Charlotte, I needed to feel comfortable and confident in what I was doing. I believe I’m approaching that point now, and I’m eager to turn things around.”
### Finding the Right Balance
As Briscoe continues to recalibrate his driving style to match the capabilities of his new car, he finds himself in a unique position. His experience with the intense demands of JGR, coupled with his desire to excel, creates a dynamic where he is both challenged and motivated. “If I were to grade my performance right now, I’d say it’s around a B- or C+,” he reflected. “I aim to elevate that to an A in the coming month.”
Ultimately, Briscoe’s journey at Joe Gibbs Racing is one of growth, determination, and the pursuit of excellence. With the right adjustments and continued hard work, he is confident that he will soon be celebrating victories as he strives to meet the high expectations set for him and his team. The combination of his ambition and the support from JGR is a powerful catalyst for future successes on the track.
As the season progresses, Chase Briscoe’s evolution as a driver and competitor will undoubtedly be a story to follow closely. The pressures of racing at a top-tier team like JGR are immense, but Briscoe appears to be embracing the challenge, ready to make his mark in the NASCAR Cup Series. With a blend of patience, learning, and adaptability, he is well on his way to unlocking the full potential of his racing career.
