As Joe Gibbs Racing undergoes significant restructuring for the 2025 NASCAR season, all eyes are on Chase Briscoe, who faces the monumental task of replacing Martin Truex Jr. in the iconic No. 19 Toyota. With a storied history behind him and immense pressure ahead, Briscoe’s performance could define JGR’s future—and his own career.
A changing of the guard: Briscoe replaces Truex Jr.
In one of the most talked-about moves of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series offseason, Chase Briscoe has been named the successor to Martin Truex Jr. in Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 19 Toyota. Truex Jr., the 2017 NASCAR champion, leaves behind a legacy of consistency and excellence, which has cemented him as one of the sport’s most respected veterans. His retirement at the end of the 2024 season has paved the way for Briscoe, a 30-year-old Indiana native, to take the reins.
Briscoe has big shoes to fill. Truex’s tenure at JGR included 32 wins and a reputation for being a reliable championship contender. While 2024 wasn’t his strongest season, Truex’s presence loomed large, both on and off the track. For Briscoe, stepping into this role signifies more than just a promotion—it’s a career-defining moment.
Briscoe’s journey: From underdog to rising star.
Chase Briscoe’s NASCAR story is one of grit, resilience, and raw talent. Hailing from a family steeped in racing history—his grandfather owned sprint car teams, and his father amassed over 150 sprint car victories—Briscoe’s path to the NASCAR Cup Series was anything but conventional. Unlike many of his peers, he lacked the financial support that often fuels early success in motorsports. Instead, Briscoe climbed the ranks through sheer determination, starting with sprint cars at the age of 13 and becoming the youngest winner of a 410 sprint car race at just 14.
After struggling to secure opportunities, Briscoe moved to North Carolina in 2014, sleeping on couches and knocking on doors in search of a chance to prove himself. His persistence paid off, eventually leading to a breakout year in the Xfinity Series in 2020, where he secured nine wins and firmly established himself as a rising star. His journey from adversity to the NASCAR Cup Series with Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) embodies the resilience that has become synonymous with his name.
Briscoe’s career highlights include earning the title of Cup Series Rookie of the Year in 2021 and claiming his first Cup Series victory at Phoenix Raceway in 2022. However, consistency has remained a challenge, with moments of brilliance often overshadowed by struggles to maintain a competitive edge week in and week out. Now, with the full resources of Joe Gibbs Racing behind him, Briscoe has an opportunity to unlock his full potential.
The stakes for Joe Gibbs Racing: A season of transformation.
Joe Gibbs Racing’s 2025 season isn’t just about replacing Martin Truex Jr.; it’s about redefining the team’s trajectory following a lackluster 2024 season. For the first time in years, JGR failed to place a driver in the Championship 4, prompting a wave of changes aimed at revitalizing the organization.
Leadership and sponsorship challenges.
One of the most pressing challenges for JGR heading into the new season is securing stable sponsorships. Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 team faces uncertainty following the departure of FedEx, a longtime sponsor that scaled back in 2024 before fully exiting. Meanwhile, the addition of Campbell Soup Company, brokered through Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), has brought new hope. Speculation suggests that Campbell Soup could focus its sponsorship efforts on Briscoe’s No. 19 car, signaling a significant financial and marketing boost.
“The departure of legacy sponsors like FedEx underscores the evolving financial landscape of NASCAR,” said Dave Alpern, President of Joe Gibbs Racing. “We’re actively exploring partnerships that align with our vision for the team’s future.”
Internal restructuring and team dynamics.
JGR has also restructured its leadership, with Chris Gabehart, the longtime crew chief for Denny Hamlin, transitioning to the role of Director of Competition. This strategic move aims to streamline team operations and foster greater innovation across all four cars. At the same time, new crew chief assignments, such as Chris Gayle working alongside Denny Hamlin and Tyler Allen joining Ty Gibbs’ team, bring fresh perspectives to JGR’s pit strategy.
For Briscoe, building a strong relationship with his crew chief and adapting to JGR’s high-pressure environment will be critical. The team’s ability to foster synergy among its drivers—Briscoe, Hamlin, Gibbs, and Christopher Bell—will define its success in 2025. Internal competition is expected to be fierce, but the shared goal of reclaiming the Championship 4 will drive collaboration and innovation.
Can Briscoe handle the pressure of the No. 19?
Replacing a driver as iconic as Martin Truex Jr. comes with an immense level of scrutiny. Truex’s ability to consistently contend for wins and championships was a cornerstone of JGR’s success. For Briscoe, stepping into the No. 19 car means not only carrying on that legacy but also establishing his own identity as a driver.
“I love the pressure,” Briscoe admitted earlier this year. “But this is probably the biggest test of my career. At JGR, there are no excuses—you have to perform.”
Briscoe’s ability to deliver consistent results will be the ultimate test. While flashes of brilliance have marked his career, including his win at the Southern 500 in 2024, bridging the gap between potential and consistent execution will be key. Maintaining composure under the microscope of NASCAR’s elite team environment will determine whether Briscoe can thrive or falter.
Key factors to watch in 2025.
- Consistency over moments of brilliance: Truex was known for his reliability. Briscoe will need to match that level of performance to ensure JGR remains competitive.
- Adapting to JGR’s culture: From crew chief dynamics to working within a team of veteran drivers, Briscoe must integrate seamlessly into the organization.
- Marketing and sponsorship responsibilities: As the driver of the No. 19, Briscoe will play a pivotal role in attracting and retaining sponsors, especially as JGR faces financial pressures.</
- Internal competition: With teammates like Denny Hamlin, Ty Gibbs, and Christopher Bell, Briscoe must assert himself without disrupting team harmony.
What’s at stake for JGR and Briscoe?
The 2025 season represents a turning point for both Joe Gibbs Racing and Chase Briscoe. For JGR, it’s an opportunity to bounce back from a lackluster 2024 and reestablish itself as a dominant force in NASCAR. The team’s ability to adapt to a changing sponsorship landscape, innovate in car development, and foster strong team dynamics will be crucial.
For Briscoe, this is a make-or-break moment in his career. The resources and platform provided by JGR give him the best shot he’s ever had at proving his worth at NASCAR’s highest level. However, the pressure to replace a legend like Martin Truex Jr. and deliver results could either elevate his career or expose his limitations.
As the Daytona 500 looms, the NASCAR world will be watching closely. Can Briscoe rise to the occasion and cement his place as the new face of Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 19? Or will the weight of expectations prove too heavy to bear? One thing is certain: the stakes have never been higher for both driver and team.
