Breaking the news a second time.
Since Martin Truex Jr. announced his retirement from the NASCAR Cup Series a little over a week ago, it’s been pretty much an open secret that Chase Briscoe would be taking over for him in the #19 car for Joe Gibbs Racing.
With the recent announcement that Stewart-Haas Racing would be shutting down at the end of 2024, that left four drivers – Chase Briscoe, Noah Gragson, Ryan Preece and Josh Berry – looking for Cup Series rides for next season. And of those four, it seemed like Briscoe was the hottest commodity.
Before Truex Jr. announced his retirement, Briscoe’s name was being thrown around to replace Harrison Burton, who is expected to be let go from his ride in the #21 Ford for Wood Brothers Racing at the end of the season. But when the #19 car opened up, it was expected that Briscoe would instead be snatched up by JGR, since he’s one of the most experienced drivers on the market.
But last week, one of Briscoe’s future teammates accidentally spilled the beans a little early.
Christopher Bell, who drives the #20 car for Joe Gibbs Racing, was speaking to the media and asked about his leadership role increasing after the veteran Truex retires. And he ended up having a slip of the tongue and making the premature announcement:
“I don’t think that there really is a leadership role in that aspect.
And whenever Chase comes into the car…”
Bell caught himself and tried to backtrack, but it was too late.
The media in the room began to crack up as Bell tried to save himself:
“Whenever we have a new driver…”
Wonder who that new driver could be?
Oops. When answering a question on whether his JGR leadership role will increase, Christopher Bell accidentally mentions “Chase” joining the team. Chase Briscoe signing hasn’t been announced yet but is expected. pic.twitter.com/fU7ZYYiZ8G
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 21, 2024
Everybody had a good laugh with it over the weekend, including Kyle Larson who joked that Bell was actually referring to his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott as the replacement for Truex.
Man totally blind sided by this news! Wishing @chaseelliott the best on his new adventure at @JoeGibbsRacing. Have enjoyed you as a teammate! 😂 Good Luck #d19 https://t.co/MLNUG7Qyim
— Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) June 21, 2024
The JGR organization had fun with it too, with Coach Joe Gibbs saying after Bell won this weekend’s race at New Hampshire that Bell could do whatever he wants.
Joe Gibbs on whether Christopher Bell's win makes up for him spilling the news earlier this weekend that Chase Briscoe is joining the team next year. pic.twitter.com/frPbCdPqo4
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 24, 2024
Well with team ready to (officially) announce Briscoe’s hire today, they decided to turn to somebody with experience breaking the news: Christopher Bell, of course.
Bell took the podium to kick off the press conference, joking about his prior slip of the tongue:
“Since I had the mistake of starting this on Friday, I guess I’ll get to finish it out today…
It is my honor to finally announce the full name of our driver next year, Chase Briscoe in the #19 car.”
Christopher Bell introduces Chase Briscoe as the driver of the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19 Cup car starting in 2025. pic.twitter.com/ONmcKFc0Gd
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 25, 2024
Wow, didn’t see that news coming.
Props to everybody for being a good sport about the mistake and leaning into it.
It's official ✍️@ChaseBriscoe_14 is joining the JGR family. Chase will drive the No. 19 @BassProShops Toyota Camry starting in 2025!#NASCAR #TeamToyota pic.twitter.com/WWFaQxpahE
— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) June 25, 2024
