As the 2023 season edges closer to its grand finale in sunny Arizona, whispers of change reverberate through the NASCAR community. Coach Gibbs camp in the Xfinity ranks, is preparing for a major shake-up. Revered as one of the best crew chiefs in the game, Jason Ratcliff, with a remarkable two-decade history, has masterfully guided JGR’s finest talents on the racetrack.

The bombshell dropped earlier this week: Joe Gibbs Racing bids adieu to trusted crew chief who once steered the team to a coveted driver’s championship. It appeared that Ratcliff’s era had reached its twilight. But Gibbs isn’t ready to let this remarkable talent escape his stable. Ratcliff is poised to make a triumphant return to the grid in 2024, proudly wearing the same iconic colors he’s sported for the past two decades. However, this time, he won’t be up there in the pit box.

Joe Gibb’s pit box pioneer’s final lap and new journey ahead

Jason Ratcliff, the seasoned crew chief, is preparing to bid farewell to the No. 19 Toyota Supra team after a remarkable 18-year stint. As the 2023 Xfinity series season concludes, the Phoenix Raceway will witness Ratcliff’s final race. Over the course of his illustrious career, Ratcliff has accumulated an impressive track record. In 800 starts, he has notched 239 top-five and 406 top-10 finishes, along with 49 pole positions. His crowning achievement came in 2009 when he guided Kyle Busch to a driver’s championship.

Reflecting on his decision to step away, the 55-year-old confirmed to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio his desire to enjoy a break from the relentless travel. “Phoenix is going to be it,” Ratcliff declared. He added, “This is going to be my last season as crew chief, and really, I enjoy the competition so much, so hopefully I can stay involved somehow on that side of it, but it’s going to be nice to not have to pack a bag each week and get on an airplane.”

However, Ratcliff’s love for the competition and the racetrack is far from extinguished. He pledged to make occasional appearances at the racetrack, hinting at a continued involvement in some capacity. He went on to continue, “I think I’ll come to the racetrack a handful of times a year, just to keep that going, and it’s such a great experience. Yeah, it’s time for me to not travel every week, so I have to stop crew chiefing.”

Indeed, it seems that Ratcliff’s promise was fulfilled sooner than expected. News broke that he will be taking on a new role as a team/driver coordinator for the JGR ARCA and Xfinity teams, further solidifying his connection to the racing world within Coach Gibbs‘ camp.

Ratcliff shared, “I’m excited to transition into this new role with Joe Gibbs Racing. The team has become home to me over the years and I’m grateful that they have grown with me as my career has evolved. The opportunity to help the next generation of crew chiefs and drivers is something that means a lot to me and it means the world that I get to do it at the same team that I have built my legacy with.”

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Ratcliff’s racing roots: From hometown turf to victory laps 

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Ratcliff’s journey from Texas to the pinnacle of stock car racing is one for the history books. His racing odyssey began in the mini Sprint Car scene of Texas, honing his skills and passion for the sport. In 1995, he received his first break in the NASCAR world, joining Sadler Brothers Racing in Nashville. There, he worked as a mechanic and rear tire changer for drivers Chuck Bown and Gary Bradberry in the Busch Series.

Two years later, his journey led him to LAR Motorsports in Columbia, where he became a chief mechanic during the 1997 and 1998 seasons. But the real turning point came in 1999 when Ratcliff secured his first crew chief role at Brewco Motorsports for the 2003 and 2004 seasons celebrating three victories, 11 top-fives, 21 top-10 finishes, and two pole positions, securing a remarkable second place in the final standings.

In 2005, the Sumter native made his way to Joe Gibbs Racing, becoming the crew chief for J. J. Yeley. His tenure with Yeley lasted until 2006, resulting in 13 top-five and 34 top-10 finishes. Ratcliff’s successful career with JGR continued, as he became the trusted crew chief for big names in the game, such as Joey Logano, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, and Matt Kenseth.

Yet, the 2020 season brought a significant shift as Ratcliff embarked on a new journey alongside 2023 Championship 4 finalist, Christopher Bell, at Leavine Family Racing. When LFR ceased operations at the end of the season, Ratcliff returned to his roots, taking up the role of crew chief for the No. 20 Xfinity Series team at JGR.

Through his remarkable journey, Ratcliff etched his name in the annals of NASCAR history, becoming the winningest crew chief in Xfinity Series history. As a new chapter unfolds in Ratcliff’s storied career, with a space in the Gibbs garage bearing his name, racing fans can’t help but anticipate the excitement that lies ahead.

Read more: Falling Short of Playoff Goal, Was Leaving Joe Gibbs a Good Decision for Kyle Busch?