Joe Gibbs Racing felt the impact of the Silly Season whirlwind two weeks ago. The team’s celebrated veteran driver, Martin Truex Jr, announced that 2024 would be his last full-time year. However, as one door closes, another opens. The now-shuttering Stewart-Haas Racing team’s top-performing driver is all set to take Truex’s place.

Chase Briscoe has an impressive resume to his name. Picking up his first Cup win in 2022 Phoenix, he advanced to the Round of 8 in just his second year in NASCAR’s premier series. Although getting flatlined recently, Briscoe could do wonders in the right hands. And Martin Truex Jr believes that is possible in JGR.

Martin Truex Jr hails his Cup colleague

The 2017 Cup Series champion won 15 races for Joe Gibbs over the past six seasons. Till 2020, Martin Truex Jr had a remarkable rapport with crew chief Cole Pearn. But his next racetrack colleague cultivated a special relationship. James Small and Truex became known for their harsh exchanges yet solid communication.

Now, as Martin Truex Jr prepares to leave his Joe Gibbs Racing home, Small will continue to work as crew chief for the No. 19 car. And Truex firmly believes Chase Briscoe will excel in his new spot. Talking to the press prior to the Nashville race, Truex said he is happy for his successor. “I think it’s a great opportunity for him. You know, the sports, a lot of it is about timing and being at the right place and the right time. And he is going to have a great team to guard and be defensive.”

Briscoe will be in able hands to guide him through to glory, as Martin Truex Jr sang praises about his crew chief. “I think it’s, you know, huge. James is really good at what he does. He is going to give Chase an opportunity to win a lot of races. He’s easy to get along with, works hard. You know, there is no reason not to keep him.” This is a tribute to the 8 wins that the No. 19 driver-crew chief achieved together.

Now Chase Briscoe may be able to achieve his full caliber under Small’s stellar guidance. In line with Martin Truex Jr’s confidence, team owner Joe Gibbs and Briscoe’s primary sponsor also expressed faith in Briscoe.

SHR driver is expected to bring JGR to great heights

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After Martin Truex Jr announced his exit, Joe Gibbs was left in a dilemma. The No. 19 car has particularly tough shoes to fill, and Gibbs wanted experienced hands behind its wheel. Hence, Chase Briscoe became the natural choice. Although he holds one Cup win over 129 starts, his 2019 Xfinity run was stellar as he fetched 10 wins.

Therefore, Joe Gibbs emphasized how landing on Briscoe was a result of careful deliberation. “We obviously do a lot of research before selecting our drivers and through the process, everything kept pointing us back to Chase. With James’ (Small) leadership, Chase behind the wheel, and the support from Bass Pro, and of course Toyota, we couldn’t be more excited about the future of our 19 team.”

Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, also placed his faith in Briscoe’s talents. “We are proud to represent sportsmen and women across North America as we extend this relationship with Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota, and Chase Briscoe.”

Chase Briscoe is evidently drumming up great interest from his future employers. Now we can only wait and see how he harnesses his driving talents to dazzle the JGR fold.