Tony Stewart’s decorated career as a driver and team owner has got blots in it here and there, especially his ugly exit from NASCAR and dissolving Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) at the end of 2024. The decision came because of issues regarding SHR’s struggles on the track and in the managerial department. When SHR announced the exit, Chase Briscoe’s career was just left in a dark void, with no clarity as to what happens next. But the dominoes started to fall in the right direction when Martin Truex Jr. announced his retirement. This left a vacant ride on the No.19 team, and that torch got passed on to Chase Briscoe in a surprise.

In the wake of Stewart’s exit, Briscoe made a career-defining move to JGR, citing an opportunity to join a team of legendary status, exceptional efficiency, and resources. While his admiration for SHR and its legacy is evident, Briscoe’s comments in a recent interview were something that Tony Stewart wouldn’t exactly like.

Chase Briscoe highlights key differences in SHR and JGR’s leadership structure

Although Chase Briscoe acknowledged the busy schedules of SHR’s owners, he pointed out that their absence left a gap in the team’s operations. Without strong daily involvement from leadership, SHR struggled to create a cohesive environment, leading to on-the-track struggles. The lack of regular oversight extended beyond driver development to the shop floor, creating inefficiencies and hindering the team’s ability to attract quality crew chiefs.

During a recent appearance on the NASCAR Live Wide Open podcast, Chase Briscoe shared insights into how SHR’s leadership culture differed from JGR’s. Although legends like Gene Haas and Tony Stewart co-owned SHR, Briscoe highlighted their inconsistent day-to-day presence as a leadership gap. “At Stewart-Haas, you know… there wasn’t… that person there day-to-day,” Briscoe explained. “Gene Haas wasn’t there day-to-day, and Tony wasn’t there day-to-day… They have other stuff going on.”

Now, it wasn’t as if Haas or Stewart weren’t interested in running the team. Both remained highly involved in the world of motorsports, even if things looked bad for SHR. For Stewart, it was his NHRA team that he ran alongside his wife. In recent times, it had grown difficult for him to drive full-time in the league after he took on his wife’s seat and stay involved with SHR. At the same time, Gene Haas had struggles with the F1 project. With a new year of regulations coming in for 2026, the Haas team owner had his hands full.

In contrast, Briscoe praised JGR’s team culture, crediting Joe Gibbs for setting the tone through his hands-on approach. “Coach [Gibbs] is literally there every single day. I was there yesterday, and he’s just walking around on the shop floor,” he said. This consistent presence, according to Briscoe, fosters a sense of loyalty and long-term commitment throughout the organization. “Culture starts at the top,” he added, highlighting the stark difference between SHR and JGR.

Briscoe also shared an anecdote about Gibbs handing out 20-year service awards, an example of the stability and loyalty ingrained in JGR’s culture. Additionally, Briscoe noted how Gibbs goes beyond professional obligations, often checking in on the personal well-being of team members. He even texts Marissa [Briscoe’s wife] like, “‘Hey, just checking how you’re doing with the babies.’ Coach is just super involved.”

The differences in leadership structure have been eye-opening for Briscoe, and he believes JGR’s approach gives him the best chance to succeed in NASCAR.

Briscoe’s future at JGR

Since joining JGR, Briscoe has expressed optimism about his future in the sport. He showed belief in the team’s system, “It’s just eye-opening truthfully how much they have at their disposal. Not only from a team standpoint but there is for the drivers, the data they have to look at is just truthfully mind-blowing.” His move to one of NASCAR’s holy trinity opens the door to opportunities that may have not been there at SHR. With a strong support system and a leader like Gibbs, Briscoe feels poised to achieve new heights.

At JGR, Briscoe is already benefiting from access to top-tier resources, mentorship, and a culture that prioritizes development. This new environment could be the key to his flip lukewarm career, and unlock the potential to become a frontrunner.

Chase Briscoe’s days at SHR had moments of promise, but the instability at the team may have limited his growth. Now, with a fresh start at JGR, he has the chance to prove himself in a championship-caliber team. With his future at JGR looking brighter than ever, Briscoe’s move may as well mark the beginning of a new chapter in his career, one filled with accolades. So, what do you think, can Briscoe flip the script ar JGR?