Denny Hamlin has shed light on how Chase Briscoe’s performance resurged after joining Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) in the 2025 NASCAR season. Briscoe, who took over the #19 Toyota from Martin Truex Jr., quickly adapted to his new team environment and is now a prominent contender, highlighted by a win at Pocono and multiple top-five finishes.

After four challenging seasons with Stewart-Haas Racing, where Chase Briscoe made the playoffs only once, he faced a major shift as Stewart-Haas exited NASCAR unexpectedly. Taking on the responsibility of succeeding Martin Truex Jr. at JGR, Briscoe encountered both praise and skepticism as fans and experts observed his transition. Despite a rocky start, 2025 has marked a breakthrough season where Briscoe solidified his place in the playoffs and demonstrated significant growth.

Adjusting to JGR’s Unique Racing Dynamics

Denny Hamlin, the team’s experienced driver, emphasized how the transition to JGR posed a steep learning curve for Briscoe. Coming from a smaller team like Stewart-Haas, Briscoe had to acclimate quickly to JGR’s complex and highly structured approach to car setups and race strategy. Hamlin explained that Briscoe initially struggled with understanding the distinct way JGR’s cars performed on the track compared to what he was used to before.

“I think at the beginning it was a struggle. I think he struggled with understanding how differently our cars drove, Now, that direction got sent, you know, the way our cars drive got sent through meetings, where us drivers are sending our engineers down a path of, this is what we want out of our cars. And it was different than what he had had over at Stewart-Haas and the other places that he was.” —Denny Hamlin, on Dale Jr. Download

Briscoe had to recalibrate his driving style and work closely with engineers to adapt to JGR’s expectations, which differs significantly from his past experiences. Hamlin noted that this required patience and persistence from Briscoe as he learned how to extract maximum performance from the Toyota and communicate effectively with his crew.

Recognizing Briscoe’s Emerging Strengths

Hamlin praised Briscoe’s resilience throughout this adjustment period, highlighting how the young driver has now started to harness JGR’s resources and show his true capabilities on the track. At multiple races this season, Briscoe has displayed improved speed, consistency, and strategic maturity, which have contributed directly to his playoff berth and competitive edge.

“So, I think he struggled with, ‘Holy crap, man. These things are loose in, and all kinds of things. This is not what I’m used to.’ And I think he’s understanding now kinda how to drive our cars, and I think he’s also understanding the feedback that he needs to give the team and to make his cars better and drive better for him. I think that just took a little bit of time and now we’re starting to see it.” —Denny Hamlin

This steady progress has not only benefited Briscoe but also the team dynamics at JGR, where both drivers are pushing each other as the season intensifies. Hamlin acknowledged that Briscoe’s ability to adapt his feedback has allowed the engineering team to better tailor car setups, enhancing overall performance and competitiveness.

How Hamlin and Briscoe’s Partnership Impacts JGR’s Championship Pursuit

The synergy between Hamlin and Briscoe appears to be a crucial factor in JGR’s strong presence this 2025 season. Both drivers are hitting form simultaneously at a critical point, with the championship battle becoming increasingly heated. Hamlin expressed confidence that fans and competitors are finally witnessing the full extent of Briscoe’s potential as he matures within the team.

The 44-year-old Hamlin noted that the seriousness of JGR’s environment initially surprised Briscoe, who had to quickly adapt to the heightened expectations and competitive standards. Through consistent effort and learning, Briscoe has started providing the necessary input that teams need to make race-day decisions and car adjustments.

Briscoe’s Prospects in the Final Stretch of the Season

With only five races left in the 2025 campaign, Chase Briscoe is poised to play a significant role in the quest for the NASCAR Cup Series title. His recent win at Pocono and string of top-five finishes prove his ability to compete at the highest level. Briscoe’s development signals a shift for JGR as they seek to maintain dominance amid fierce competition from rival teams and drivers across the grid.

The upcoming races will determine how well Briscoe can capitalize on the progress he’s made so far, handling pressure and delivering consistent results. His transformation from a struggling Stewart-Haas driver to a credible JGR title contender represents a remarkable journey, one that could influence the sport’s evolving landscape in the years to come.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?

A. Denny Hamlin started racing full-time in the Cup Series in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing. He has become very successful, winning 51 Cup Series races and three Daytona 500s in 2016, 2019, and 2020. Additionally, he has earned millions of dollars throughout his career.

Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?

A. Denny Hamlin is set to marry Jordan Fish. Since she was a child, Jordan loved dancing, which led her to dance for the Charlotte Bobcats in the NBA. The team is now called the Charlotte Hornets. She met Hamlin while performing at one of the Bobcats’ games.

Q. How is Denny Hamlin so rich?

A. Denny Hamlin’s $65 million net worth includes earnings of over $100 million from NASCAR contracts and race winnings.

He earns millions from endorsements with companies like FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota.

Hamlin also co-owns 23XI Racing, a racing franchise worth more than $100 million.