When Chase Briscoe clinched the Cup Series victory at Pocono last month, he not only demonstrated his skill as a driver but also reaffirmed his suitability for the iconic No. 19 Toyota Camry XSE, previously driven by Martin Truex Jr. Beyond his racing talents, Briscoe’s strong connection to fishing plays a unique role in making him an ideal fit for Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 19 team, which has been backed by Bass Pro Shops since 2019.
Bass Pro Shops, a leading retailer specializing in fishing, hunting, and camping equipment, has been a long-standing sponsor of the No. 19 car. Briscoe’s enthusiasm for fishing perfectly complements this sponsorship, and he has expressed his appreciation for the company’s continued support following Truex’s departure. This shared passion not only strengthens the relationship between driver and sponsor but also fosters a deeper connection with the team’s identity.
Briscoe’s Personal Interest in Fishing and Outdoor Activities
Briscoe openly discussed his enjoyment of fishing during a recent interview on Today’s Lely Radio Sports Page. He shared,
“I think, for me, the coolest thing has been the Bass Pro Shops connection. I have always enjoyed fishing ever since I was a little kid. In the last four or five years, I have gotten into hunting. So, there’s no better sponsor to have than Bass Pro Shops.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
His fondness for fishing became even more apparent when he was pictured alongside Kevin VanDam, a professional bass fisherman from Otsego, Michigan, and a highly respected figure in the sport. During the meeting, Briscoe wore apparel featuring the Bass Pro Shops logo, reinforcing the strong bond he shares with the sponsor. At 30 years old, Briscoe’s connection to outdoor sports extends beyond racing, highlighting his genuine enthusiasm for fishing and hunting.
The Rationale Behind Joe Gibbs Racing’s Choice of Briscoe
The decision to sign Briscoe as the No. 19 driver involved more than just his compatibility with Bass Pro Shops. Joe Gibbs Racing’s leadership trusted that he possessed the necessary qualities to uphold the legacy of the team. Joe Gibbs himself explained the two critical traits sought in a driver: strong character and the potential to win.
Gibbs elaborated on his approach, stating,
“And so for us, really here, it always starts with character. You’re always looking at what kind of person you’re getting. But also, we have to win. So we came down to the end. We think Chase can win.”
—Joe Gibbs, Team Owner
This perspective reflects the organization’s focus on holistic excellence, valuing personality alongside performance. The faith placed in Briscoe is already showing positive results; he currently holds ninth place in the points standings and has secured a position in the playoffs.
The Significance of Briscoe’s Role and What Lies Ahead
Chase Briscoe’s affinity for fishing and outdoor sports aligns seamlessly with Joe Gibbs Racing’s identity, deepening the partnership with Bass Pro Shops that has been integral to the No. 19 team since 2019. His character and growing success on the track justify the confidence shown by the team’s leadership, reflecting a promising future.
As Briscoe continues to build momentum in the Cup Series, his connection to fishing and the outdoor lifestyle enhances his role beyond that of a typical race driver. This unique combination strengthens brand loyalty and sets the stage for a continued strong presence in NASCAR’s competitive environment.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where will Chase Briscoe be in 2025?
A. Briscoe joined JGR this year after spending four years with Stewart-Haas Racing, which closed down after 2024. He feels that being a new driver at JGR put him under constant pressure to win.
Q. Where is Chase Briscoe going in 2025?
A. In 2025, Chase Briscoe will join Joe Gibbs Racing, a team with a history of winning championships. He will drive the No. 19 Toyota Camry XSE, replacing Martin Truex, Jr., who is retiring.