Will the Daytona 500 Tip SHR’s Leadership Scale in Favor of Josh Berry From Chase Briscoe?

Kevin Harvick was the heart and soul of Stewart-Haas Racing, the guiding star for the whole crew. Even in his swan song season, Harvick stood as SHR’s lone warrior in the playoffs, earning his spot through the sheer points, much like Bubba Wallace did. But with Harvick and Aric Almirola hanging up their helmets, the team’s on the lookout for a new leader. Who’s going to step up to the plate? Will it be Chase Briscoe, Ryan Preece, or the fresh-faced rookie of the year, Josh Berry?

Is there a bit of a power play going on between Chase Briscoe and Josh Berry for the top dog spot ?

After SHR shared a video of the drivers and Tony Stewart cracking jokes and bonding, whispers started that there might be more than meets the eye. It looks like behind the friendship, there’s a scramble to fill the big boots Kevin Harvick left behind.

Chase Briscoe, stepping into his fourth Cup season with SHR, isn’t hiding his ambition to be the main man. Chatting on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, he shared, “I am going to be the senior guy there now, and that’s crazy to think only being three years in. But I’m going to be the elder statesman there, so it’ll be interesting for sure. Something I’m excited for, but at the same time, I think that leadership role comes from running up front week in and week out. Kevin was the leader of that place because he ran the best on the most consistent basis.”

He further added, “For me, that’s the biggest thing is I wanna be the new Kevin Harvick at Stewart-Haas. I wanna be the guy that’s running up front week in and week out and when people think about Stewart-Haas, they think of the 14 car. That’s my whole goal going into this season and if we do that, then that leadership role just naturally gets placed upon you.”

From his statements, it’s evident that Briscoe’s gunning to be SHR’s new Harvick, the one everyone associates with the team’s success. While Briscoe’s setting his sights on leadership, Ryan Preece is also in the mix, heading into his second full-time Cup season. But after a less-than-stellar 2023, he’s got a lot of work ahead of him.

Then there’s rookie Josh Berry, bringing a wealth of experience from behind the wheel to coaching and crew chief. His level-headed approach could be just what SHR needs in a leader. Teaming up with Rodney Childers, Berry’s got a shot at making waves in 2024. Even NASCAR insider Rick Allen sees potential in Berry, especially with Childers by his side. But he’s quick to add that success won’t happen overnight for SHR, especially after a winless season.

“Now, Rodney Childers being his crew chief, those two guys will get to work together, I think that’s going to help him have greater success. Like I said, every race you’re in the car with the guy, you’re gonna get better and you’re gonna see what your competition does, you got to fight to get to that level of your competition. I think it’s gonna take a while for Stewart-Haas Racing to have that feel that they can go out there and compete against anybody especially coming off of a winless season,” Allen said.

If Childers and Berry hit it off at the Daytona 500, Berry might just be the one to watch in the leadership stakes. But not to forget, Briscoe knows tenure doesn’t guarantee the lead role; he’s got to prove his mettle on the track to truly earn it. That’s why he is ready to work for it.

Watch This Story: Josh Berry Takes the Wheel From Kevin Harvick

Chase Briscoe is aware of the nitty-gritty behind the leadership role

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Chase Briscoe, with the Xfinity championship under his belt, knows there’s more to being the frontrunner at SHR than just tenure. He’s clued in that stepping up as the team’s ace means showing up and shining on the track, race after race.

“But I think it’s hard to just say going into the season that you’re going to be the leader now at the place just because you’ve been there the longest. I think it comes from performance and that’s where we to back that up,” Briscoe stated, aware that actions speak louder than words.

Read More: Josh Berry’s First Time Around Filling Kevin Harrick’s Shoes Ended Dismally After Failing to Qualify

By default, Briscoe finds himself at the helm of SHR, being the sole driver with a Cup race victory to his name. Plus, trailing only behind Harvick in 2023, he’s no stranger to the spotlight. The young gun has already shown he’s got the chops to lead SHR, but the true test is laying down rubber and making it count where it matters – on the asphalt.

With fresh faces at SHR gearing up to take the team forward, it’s showtime to see who’ll step up and clinch Kevin Harvick’s vacated throne as the team’s guiding force.