In the NASCAR garage, a driver’s success on the track often hinges on the sharp mind calling the shots from the pit box — the crew chief — who maps out every strategy, from tire changes to fuel saves. When that duo clicks, blending the driver’s execution with the chief’s game plan, victories follow, but a misstep can spotlight both in the post-race scrutiny. Be it a podium finish or a tough day, the crew chief’s resume absorbs the highs and lows right alongside the driver’s. This dynamic has put one such crew chief, James Small, in the light, currently managing Chase Briscoe’s No. 19 at Joe Gibbs Racing.

While drivers like Chase Briscoe grab the headlines after strong runs, such as his wins at Pocono and the recent one at Darlington, the strategists behind them deserve a closer look for turning potential into points. This time, the focus shifts to James Small, exploring his path from early days to what lies ahead. But to understand his impact today, let’s go back to where it all began.

Who is James Small? His early life and background

James Small grew up in Melbourne, where motorsport ran in the family. His father, Les Small, worked as a mechanic and team manager in the Australian touring car scene, even facilitating starts for local legend Allan Grice in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte in 1987 and 1989. That exposure ignited young James’s passion, leading him to compete in BMX, go-karts, and Formula Ford as a teenager. However, financial hurdles shifted his focus from driving to the technical side, earning a mechanical engineering degree from Swinburne University of Technology. His first hands-on roles came in Australia’s V8 Supercars, starting as an engineer with Garry Rogers Motorsport and later Kelly Racing.

Those early gigs built his foundation, culminating in a Bathurst 1000 victory in 2013 as an engineer with Ford Performance alongside Mark Winterbottom and co-driver Steve Richards. Small’s knack for problem-solving shone through, but he eyed bigger opportunities overseas. “It’s an honor and a privilege,” he later reflected on stepping into higher roles, a mindset shaped by those formative years. This groundwork in local tracks honed his detail-oriented approach, setting the stage for a transatlantic leap.

With that solid base under his belt, Small’s drive for more pushed him toward NASCAR’s competitive ranks. Yet, climbing that ladder demanded adaptability and grit.

How did James Small climb the ranks of NASCAR?

Small arrived in the U.S. in late 2013, landing an engineering spot at Richard Childress Racing by 2014, where he spent three years sharpening his skills on stock cars. This entry-level role immersed him in garage operations, from data analysis to setup tweaks, bridging his Supercars experience with NASCAR’s demands. By 2017, he joined Furniture Row Racing as lead engineer for Erik Jones in the No. 77, and even stepped in as interim crew chief for two races—delivering a third at Michigan and a 10th at Watkins Glen.

The next year, he shifted to Martin Truex Jr.‘s team, contributing as lead engineer during a championship push that included seven wins in 2019. When Cole Pearn departed, Joe Gibbs Racing promoted Small to full-time crew chief for the No. 19 in 2020, a move backed by Truex’s trust in their shared history. This progression from engineer to top strategist showcased his steady rise, amassing 10 Cup wins overall by 2025.

Even with those milestones, the role brought its share of hurdles. Small’s tenure tested his resilience amid high-stakes pressures.

What challenges and controversies did James Small face as a crew chief?

Small’s time with Truex hit a rough patch in 2022, going winless and with no playoff qualification, with tensions surfacing over strategy calls and car performance. The 2024 season compounded issues, marking Truex’s first full-year drought since 2014, as wrecks and inconsistencies led to just 5 top-fives and a 10th in points. Fans initially pinned blame on Small’s decisions, sparking debates on social media about his fit for the team.

Major penalties struck in 2025’s Daytona 500, where a modified spoiler violation initially cost points and a four-race suspension for Small, though a successful appeal overturned it. He rebounded strongly, echoing his 2023 comeback with three wins after the prior slump. “I hate it ended like that. He deserved better,” Small said of Truex’s final race, showing his accountability amid scrutiny.

Those trials sharpened his edge for new collaborations. One standout connection highlighted his global ties and eye for talent.

How has James Small’s partnership with SVG defined his career?

Small and Shane van Gisbergen share roots in Australian racing, with Small spotting van Gisbergen’s potential early on, recalling one of his starts about 15 years ago. Though they never teamed up directly in Supercars, mutual friends and parallel paths fostered respect, leading to a key chat in Nashville before van Gisbergen’s 2023 Chicago debut. Trust was built quickly through shared experiences, with Small confident in van Gisbergen’s adaptability to unfamiliar tracks.

That bond paid off when van Gisbergen won the Chicago Street Race on his Cup debut, a breakthrough Small called proof of his “incredible, natural talent.” The victory spotlighted Small’s role in bridging international talent to NASCAR, enhancing his reputation as a mentor. “So long as he had a clean race, he was always gonna be up there,” Small predicted, underscoring how this alliance boosted his profile in spotting and supporting crossover stars.

Looking ahead, such influences position Small for lasting impact. His trajectory suggests more chapters yet to unfold.

What does the future look like for James Small?

As the first full-time Australian crew chief in NASCAR, Small’s long-term influence extends to inspiring international engineers and chiefs, paving paths like his own from Supercars to Cup. His work with Briscoe in 2025, including poles at major events and playoff advances, solidifies his strategic prowess at Joe Gibbs Racing. Team owner Joe Gibbs called retaining him “hugely important,” citing the No. 19’s championship potential if momentum holds.

Career transitions could involve deeper leadership roles or mentoring, but for now, focus remains on title contention. “Believe in everyone in this team,” Small said after Pocono, reflecting optimism amid a tough stretch since 2023. With sponsors and a stable setup, his future leans toward more wins and perhaps a shift to team management down the line.