Joe Gibbs Racing has officially declared that Chase Briscoe will drive the #19 car in 2025, following an apparent error by future teammate Christopher Bell. Many have hypothesized that Mitchell, Indiana native Chase Briscoe might succeed Martin Truex Jr., who will retire at the end of the 2024 season.
That conjecture was stoked even further on Friday, when Christopher Bell, who drives the #20 vehicle for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), hinted that “Chase” will be driving the #19 car next season.
While Bell did not reveal the mystery driver’s last name, it was evident he was referring to Briscoe, a soon-to-be free agent because Stewart-Haas Racing will cease NASCAR operations at the end of the season.
The slip up made the final few laps of the race in New Hampshire on Sunday quite interesting. On lap 219 of the race, the red flag was waived due to severe weather.
After two hours and 15 minutes, teams were instructed to switch to wet weather tires and finish the race. In overtime, Bell took the lead with Stewart-Haas Racing teammates Briscoe (#14) and Josh Berry (#4) competing for second. In the end, Bell secured the win, with Briscoe taking second and Berry third. Perhaps that win helped Bell clear things up with Joe Gibb.
On Tuesday, Bell made the official announcement on behalf of JGR that Briscoe would indeed be driving the #19 car next season. According to NASCAR News, Bass Pro Shops will continue to be the title sponsor of the Toyota Camry, with James Small sticking around as the crew chief. Briscue told reporters that he was excited to continue the legacy of the #19 car as he embarks on the new multi-year deal.
It will be sad to see 20-year NASCAR veteran and 2017 Cup champion Truex Jr. retire. It’s certainly the end of an era. That said, I’m really excited about this new development. Briscoe has a lot of potential, as was clearly seen on Sunday when he scooted from the 23rd starting position up to second. Personally, I can’t wait to see what he will do at JGR.
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