“Win on Sunday, sell on Monday.” That’s how the saying goes in the NASCAR world. However, with the silly season underway after the conclusion of the Cup Series, it’s all about the roster changes for NASCAR teams. Most notably, JGR driver Martin Truex Jr. called it quits from racing, preferring to retire over continuing for another season. As Chase Briscoe takes his spot, is the former SHR man already causing chaos for the outbound MTJ?

Now, Briscoe has inherited Truex Jr’s entire #19 team, including crew chief James Small. So far he is the first JGR crew chief to be confirmed for the upcoming campaign. Recently, Small spoke about his new charge and was suitably impressed. Safe to say, Small sang praises of the 29-year-old. However, did that praise come at the expense of the outgoing Martin Truex Jr?

James Small took a small dig at his former driver Martin Truex Jr

2025 is going to be a big year, with massive changes in NASCAR. While the majority of the drivers are staying put, there is a small element of musical chairs. One driver who will not be part of the grid next year is Martin Truex Jr because he officially retired. Of course, that leaves his #19 Joe Gibbs Racing seat vacant. Also departing from the sport is Stewart-Haas Racing, which has been rebranded to Haas Factory Team. SHR have disbanded all of their drivers, and they were on the hunt for Cup seats. When Truex Jr announced his retirement at the end of 2024, JGR was quick to snap up free agent Chase Briscoe. Meanwhile, teammates Josh Berry, Ryan Preece, and Noah Gragson all found seats elsewhere, Finally, the Haas Factory Team has promoted Cole Custer on a full-time basis.

One can only hope that James Small can work together with Briscoe. Small began working with Martin Truex Jr in 2020, and their partnership has had many ups and downs. Between 2020 and 2024, Truex Jr and James Small picked up eight Cup wins, but not much else. Speaking about his upcoming partnership with Chase Briscoe, James Small had a lot to say, taking a small hit at MTJ in the process.

Small continued, “It’s just going to be really great to actually have somebody, for one, who lives in North Carolina. Two, comes into the shop multiple times a week. We can actually build the team around him, and having a process of developing a setup each week. Helping us be better as well, so we’re all really excited to have him on board. I think it’s going to be a big gain for the #19 team.”

One has to wonder if James Small was referring to Truex Jr’s work ethic. In essence, he was suggesting that Martin Truex Jr was not a frequent visitor to the Joe Gibbs Racing workshop. The insinuation is that he believes that Chase Briscoe has a better work ethic and they will be able to build the #19 car around him.

The team sets incredibly high standards of work ethic, as Martin Truex Jr. once explained. The legendary team owner Joe Gibbs himself made regular rounds of the workshop whenever he wasn’t busy bringing on new sponsors, taking an interest in what each member of the team was working on. It sets the expectations high for Chase Briscoe, as James Small would later explain.

James Small outlined the expectations for Chase Briscoe

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Small told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, “I’m expecting a lot. He’s a really good kid. I spent a little time with him, talking to him. He seems very motivated to do well. He’s got a point to prove. To show people now, that he’s going to be in a much more competitive car, week in, week out. He can do this and win multiple races a year. We’re going to push him hard.”

Following the uncertainty that came with the announcement of SHR’s closure, Chase Briscoe found a new home with JGR. While Christopher Bell ruined the surprise of his signing, his arrival was a solid addition to the JGR roster. It will be difficult to fill in the shoes of a Cup-winning driver like Martin Truex Jr. but Chase Briscoe will hope to carry forward the momentum of his 2024 season. Finishing 14th overall at the end of the 2024 season, Briscoe proved his mettle with a win at Darlington.

Of course, since Joe Gibbs Racing is a top team, the pressure will be more intense. As such, Chase Briscoe will be expected to hit the ground running. Especially considering that he has strong teammates like Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell. Even Ty Gibbs is not someone who should be underestimated, as he has been improving with each passing year.

Small acknowledged that Briscoe has been pretty dedicated and is eager to hit the ground running. According to him, the Indiana native has been using the off-season to acclimatize himself to the team. Without a doubt, Briscoe is a talented driver who is capable of winning races, considering that he has two career Cup wins.