Chase Briscoe isn’t just switching teams—he’s transforming himself.
After four years of freedom at Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), where he could “do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted,” the 30-year-old driver is now under an entirely different regime at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). With high expectations and immense pressure, Briscoe is undergoing a complete lifestyle overhaul in pursuit of peak performance behind the wheel of the No. 19 Toyota Camry.
“They wanted me down 15 pounds before the season started, I’m down to almost 10,” Briscoe told Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass. “I was doing really, really good truthfully until a week and a half ago.”
His newfound focus on fitness and diet isn’t just a personal choice—it’s a mandate from his new team and crew chief James Small. Unlike his SHR days, JGR is pushing Briscoe to fine-tune every aspect of his preparation—from weight management to mental endurance.
Why Fitness Matters in NASCAR
Stock car racing is often overlooked when it comes to physical conditioning, but NASCAR demands elite-level endurance. Sitting inside a car 200 mph for hours while battling heat levels 30-40°F above the outside temperature requires extreme focus and stamina.
🏁 Heat endurance training
🏁 Cardio for peak heart rate management
🏁 Strength training for handling high G-forces in corners
That’s why Toyota has an entire performance program dedicated to driver fitness—a stark contrast to the relatively relaxed approach Briscoe had at SHR.
“At SHR, I could do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted.”
At JGR, that freedom is gone—replaced by structure, discipline, and expectations of winning.
Briscoe’s New Reality: JGR Leaves No Stone Unturned
Briscoe is no stranger to adversity. He ended SHR’s Cup Series tenure on a high by winning the 2024 Southern 500, making his childhood idol Tony Stewart proud. But now, with SHR shutting its doors and his career entering a critical phase, Briscoe must deliver at JGR—or risk fading into NASCAR’s background.
Joe Gibbs Racing has long been a championship-caliber powerhouse, winning six Cup titles, including ones with legends like Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch, and Martin Truex Jr.. However, with Team Penske dominating in recent years, JGR is revamping its approach—and Briscoe is a key piece of that puzzle.
🏆 New team
🏆 New crew chief (James Small)
🏆 New expectations
Briscoe feels the difference in equipment already and is confident JGR has the car to end Penske’s reign.
“I think we have the car to do it,” Briscoe said.
The real question: Can he adapt fast enough to become a legitimate championship contender?
Final Thoughts: Briscoe’s Defining Year
🔥 Chase Briscoe’s move to Joe Gibbs Racing isn’t just a new team—it’s a full-blown career reset.
🔥 With Toyota’s high-performance approach and JGR’s structured discipline, Briscoe is being pushed harder than ever.
🔥 The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season will be his proving ground—can he handle the pressure and take the No. 19 to victory lane?
💬 What do you think? Will Briscoe rise to the challenge at JGR or struggle under the intense expectations? Drop your predictions in the comments below!