Chase Briscoe is making headlines in the NASCAR world, and it’s not just for his impressive driving skills. The 30-year-old racer, who has taken the sport by storm, is currently navigating a significant transition as he makes waves with Joe Gibbs Racing. After a successful stint with Stewart Haas Racing, where his journey included climbing through the ranks of ARCA and Xfinity, Briscoe is now reveling in the thrill of competition at JGR, especially as he continues to shine in the playoffs.
Briscoe’s recent performances have been nothing short of stellar. Following a triumphant victory at Darlington and a close runner-up finish at Gateway, he is clearly gaining momentum. However, the transition to JGR has presented its own set of challenges. Moving not only teams but also manufacturers—from Ford to Chevrolet—meant Briscoe faced a steep learning curve. The fact that he is thriving in this new environment speaks volumes about his resilience and adaptability.
Reflecting on his experience since joining JGR, Briscoe shared, “Celebration-wise, truthfully Sunday night we got home at 2:40 in the morning. Probably went to bed at 4 in the morning, my kids woke me up at 7:30 in the morning. So there wasn’t really a celebration.” His win at Pocono, in particular, felt different; it was less about the jubilation and more about the relief that came with overcoming the immense pressure to perform after his switch from SHR.
Briscoe’s insights reveal a deeper understanding of the contrasting dynamics between his former team and JGR. He noted that the presence of Joe Gibbs is markedly more prominent, as Gibbs is wholly dedicated to racing. “Coach is obviously around a lot more, but that’s just because this is what he does full-time,” Briscoe explained. This hands-on approach is a stark contrast to his experiences with Tony Stewart and Gene Haas, who often split their focus among other business ventures. While winning may feel similar across different teams, having an engaged and enthusiastic owner like Gibbs certainly amplifies the excitement of victory.
The atmosphere at JGR is electric, particularly following Denny Hamlin’s historic win at the World Wide Technology Raceway, which celebrated Toyota’s 200th NASCAR Cup Series victory. This monumental achievement not only underscores the strength of JGR but also highlights Hamlin’s own impressive career as he inches closer to matching Kevin Harvick’s 60-win record. Hamlin’s playful quip to the crowd, “You can either get on the bandwagon or get run over by it,” encapsulates the spirited momentum building within the team.
As Briscoe and Hamlin secure their spots in the Round of 12, the synergy between seasoned veterans and rising stars at JGR is a potent combination. Christopher Bell, currently sitting in 8th position, is also poised to capitalize on his experience and push forward in the playoffs. The blend of talent and determination at JGR suggests that this team is not just looking at the present but is actively shaping the future of NASCAR.
With Briscoe’s journey at Joe Gibbs Racing continuing to unfold, his experiences highlight the evolving landscape of NASCAR and the personal growth that accompanies such pivotal changes. The pressure is high, but so is the potential, and fans are eagerly watching to see how this saga will develop as the playoffs progress.
