Martin Truex Jr., the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion, concluded his full-time career with Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 19 car at the end of the 2024 season. The veteran finished the year without a win and exited the playoffs in the Round of 16. While Truex’s legacy includes 34 Cup Series victories and a championship, his later seasons had diminishing results and fewer dominant runs. Analysts questioned who could maintain the No. 19 car’s competitive edge as the team prepared for a new era, especially in a NASCAR landscape that increasingly values technical involvement and driver preparation. This is where a disciplined, hands-on driver like Chase Briscoe could make all the difference.

Chase Briscoe, Truex’s successor, came with a strong foundation, gaining enough experience from his tenure at Stewart-Haas Racing under Tony Stewart. At SHR, Briscoe learned the importance of precision, simulator work, and open communication with engineers. These were skills Stewart emphasized for developing drivers ready for the Next Gen era. As NASCAR limits practice and testing, the ability to translate simulator preparation into real-track performance has become a critical differentiator. This background positions Briscoe as a driver capable of meeting these technical demands, with a veteran like Rodney Childers diving deeper into explaining his bright future ahead.

Childers is in support of the rising JGR driver

Rodney Childers, who has worked with both SHR and JGR, emphasized how critical driver engagement is for race-day performance. “I’ve always said any communication is good communication,” he told Kevin Harvick on his “Happy Hour” podcast. Even when simulator sessions aren’t perfect, the feedback helps engineers make better decisions and fine-tune the car. In today’s NASCAR, testing is limited. Which is why communication can make the difference between a competitive car and a mediocre one.

Childers specifically compared Briscoe’s approach to Truex’s later years. “When you look at the Truex situation, he didn’t win many races toward the end. Though it seemed like they had fast cars. It sounds like he didn’t put in the time that Briscoe is now putting in from a simulation standpoint and time at the shop.” Contrastingly, Briscoe has put in long hours in the simulator and detailed shop work. This shows how seriously he takes his role. It also shows why JGR sees him as a driver who can fully leverage the team’s resources.

Briscoe’s foundation at SHR under Tony Stewart also prepared him for this level of commitment. At SHR, he learned to communicate clearly with engineers. He also focused on precise data-driven improvements. Childers added, “Yes, there are weeks when the simulator’s tire model isn’t perfect, and you unload at the racetrack and you’re off. But, there are organizations that put in the effort. That’s where the 19 is right now.” Briscoe’s approach connects all the dots from preparation to execution. This was something Truex’s later tenure didn’t consistently demonstrate.

The No. 19 car’s shift from Martin Truex Jr. to Chase Briscoe isn’t just a change of drivers. It reflects JGR’s broader strategy of prioritizing preparation, technical engagement, and collaboration. Briscoe’s work ethic, combined with the right guidance, positions the team to regain its competitive edge. How effectively JGR capitalizes on this approach will likely define the No. 19 car’s performance in the 2025 season and beyond. This could ultimately set a new standard for driver dedication in NASCAR’s Next Gen era.

Could rising star Briscoe overtake Christopher Bell at JGR?

As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season progresses, Chase Briscoe’s performance with Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 19 car is garnering significant attention. After a strong start to the season, Briscoe has showcased consistency and competitiveness. This is particularly in the latter half of the season. His recent performances, such as finishing runner-up in four out of the last nine races, excluding a win, have sparked discussions about his position within the team hierarchy, especially compared to his teammate Christopher Bell.

Bell began the season with three consecutive wins. However, since then, the NASCAR driver has experienced a noticeable dip in performance. Since his last Cup victory at Phoenix Raceway, Bell has only enjoyed occasional top finishes. Meanwhile, Briscoe has been steadily climbing the ranks. This shift in momentum has led to questions about whether Briscoe has surpassed Bell in the team’s pecking order.

Briscoe’s resurgence can be attributed to several factors. This includes his strong qualifying performances and improved race results. He has secured multiple pole positions and has been consistently finishing in the top five. He also had a notable victory at the Southern 500. His average starting position (9.786) and average finish (12.821) have both been among the best in the series. This reflects his growing confidence and synergy with the team.

In contrast, Bell’s recent performances have been less impressive. Despite his early-season success, he has struggled to match the pace of his teammates. His frustration was evident following a seventh-place finish at World Wide Technology Raceway. Post-race, he expressed dissatisfaction with his team’s performance. This contrast in form between the two drivers has intensified the debate about their standings within Joe Gibbs Racing.

As the season unfolds, Briscoe’s steady rise and Bell’s wavy form continue to fuel debate within Joe Gibbs Racing, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering if the No. 19 driver has truly overtaken his teammate in the team’s hierarchy.