With the NASCAR Cup Series just weeks away from roaring back to life, 2014 champion Kevin Harvick is already circling three names who need to step up and find Victory Lane in 2025. On the first episode of his Happy Hour Podcast, the former Stewart-Haas Racing driver-turned-analyst zeroed in on three Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) drivers who are under the most pressure to deliver wins this season.
Harvick’s list includes two younger drivers trying to solidify their place at JGR and a surprising veteran name that many might not expect to be under scrutiny. With major offseason changes shaking up the JGR camp, the pressure is on for these drivers to prove they belong at the top.
Who’s Feeling the Heat at Joe Gibbs Racing?
While JGR remains one of NASCAR’s premier teams, their recent struggles in the second half of seasons and in the playoffs have kept them from consistently challenging for the championship. Now, with crew chief swaps, driver movements, and mounting expectations, Harvick believes these three drivers have the most to prove in 2025.
1. Chase Briscoe – JGR’s Newest Acquisition
Harvick’s first pick was an obvious one—Chase Briscoe, who moves to JGR’s No. 19 car after the collapse of Stewart-Haas Racing. Briscoe was seen as one of SHR’s brightest prospects, but his inconsistencies and lack of wins ultimately left him in a difficult spot as the team shuttered operations.
“I think Chase Briscoe is in a position where he needs to go out like a ball of fire and make something happen from the driver’s standpoint.” – Kevin Harvick
Briscoe, now piloting a top-tier ride at JGR, can no longer blame equipment or resources for his lack of victories. With James Small as his new crew chief, Briscoe has an opportunity to prove that he belongs among NASCAR’s elite.
2. Ty Gibbs – JGR’s Rising Star Who Needs a Breakthrough
Harvick’s second pick was another no-brainer—Ty Gibbs. The grandson of team owner Joe Gibbs, Ty entered the Cup Series with sky-high expectations but has yet to fully deliver on his potential.
“I know that seems like a lot of pressure with a new crew chief, but at some point, you got to get into Victory Lane and just get the monkey off of your back.” – Kevin Harvick
The 21-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance, especially on road courses and short tracks, but he remains winless at the Cup level. With Adam Stevens—Kyle Busch’s former championship-winning crew chief—calling the shots in 2025, there are no more excuses. Gibbs has to win this year to establish himself as more than just the boss’s grandson.
3. Denny Hamlin – A Veteran Under Unexpected Pressure
Harvick’s third pick came as a surprise—Denny Hamlin. Despite a strong 2024 campaign, Hamlin once again fell short of winning his first Cup Series championship. Now, with longtime crew chief Chris Gabehart moving into a senior management role, the 43-year-old finds himself navigating a major transition.
“Internally, I think they’ve made their organization stronger, but now you’re going to have to make it function at the racetrack with the driver and the crew chief.” – Kevin Harvick
Harvick emphasized that Hamlin will have to adapt quickly to ensure the chemistry between driver and crew chief remains championship-caliber. While Hamlin is still one of NASCAR’s top performers, his clock is ticking, and JGR expects him to contend for the title—not just pick up regular-season wins.
JGR’s Big Problem: Wins Without Championships
Harvick also pointed out a bigger issue that extends beyond these three drivers. JGR has been strong in the Next-Gen era, but they haven’t been able to close the deal when it matters most.
“The expectation is to win at Gibbs. In order to do that, they’re going to have to do it quick. None of them did in the second half of the year.” – Kevin Harvick
With so much offseason change, JGR has a lot of moving pieces that need to fall into place quickly. Winning early in the season will be crucial—not just to build momentum but also to avoid the playoff pressure that has tripped them up in recent years.
Final Thoughts: It’s Now or Never for JGR’s Three
As the 2025 NASCAR season approaches, all eyes will be on Chase Briscoe, Ty Gibbs, and Denny Hamlin. Whether it’s a young driver searching for their first win, a struggling talent trying to revive their career, or a veteran facing an unexpected transition, each of them will have something to prove when the green flag drops.
If they can rise to the occasion, JGR could return to championship-winning form.
But if they stumble?
The pressure will only get worse.