The dissolution of Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) at the end of 2024 marked the end of an era in NASCAR, with Tony Stewart and Gene Haas stepping away from their once-dominant team. Among the many ripple effects of this decision was the uncertainty surrounding Chase Briscoe, one of SHR’s rising stars. That uncertainty turned into opportunity when Martin Truex Jr. announced his retirement, paving the way for Briscoe to land a coveted seat in Joe Gibbs Racing’s (JGR) No. 19 car.
While Briscoe’s move to JGR appears to be a career-defining step forward, his recent comments about SHR’s leadership culture have cast a shadow over the legacy of Stewart’s NASCAR tenure.
Stewart-Haas: Leadership Absence and On-Track Struggles
In a candid interview on the NASCAR Live Wide Open podcast, Briscoe reflected on the challenges SHR faced during his tenure. He acknowledged the legendary status of Tony Stewart and Gene Haas but pointed to their lack of day-to-day involvement as a critical weakness.
“At Stewart-Haas, you know… there wasn’t… that person there day-to-day,” Briscoe explained. “Gene Haas wasn’t there day-to-day, and Tony wasn’t there day-to-day… They have other stuff going on.”
Briscoe’s observations underscore a broader issue of SHR’s struggles both on and off the track. Without consistent leadership, SHR faced inefficiencies that trickled down to the shop floor, crew chief selection, and overall team cohesion. While Stewart and Haas were deeply invested in motorsports, their divided attention—with Stewart focusing on his NHRA team and Haas preoccupied with his F1 project—left SHR in a state of limbo.
JGR: A Culture of Hands-On Leadership
In stark contrast, Briscoe praised Joe Gibbs Racing, citing team owner Joe Gibbs’ hands-on approach as a defining factor in its success.
“Coach [Gibbs] is literally there every single day,” Briscoe said. “I was there yesterday, and he’s just walking around on the shop floor.”
This consistent presence, Briscoe believes, fosters a culture of loyalty and excellence throughout the organization. “Culture starts at the top,” he added, emphasizing that Gibbs’ involvement sets the tone for the entire team, from the drivers to the engineers.
A Painful Truth for Tony Stewart?
Briscoe’s comments, while respectful, may sting for Stewart, whose passion for racing and SHR’s legacy is undeniable. However, his dual focus on the NHRA team he runs with his wife and his broader motorsport ventures may have unintentionally left SHR without the leadership consistency it needed. The results on the track mirrored these challenges, as SHR struggled to maintain its status as a top-tier team in recent years.
Looking Ahead for Briscoe
For Briscoe, the move to JGR is an opportunity to reset and align himself with one of NASCAR’s most efficient and successful operations. His praise for JGR’s culture suggests he’s found a team environment that could bring out his best.
“I feel like this is the right move at the right time,” Briscoe said. “The way Joe Gibbs Racing operates—top-down leadership, consistency, and commitment—it just sets a standard for what’s possible in this sport.”
As Briscoe looks to capitalize on his fresh start, his departure from SHR serves as a poignant reminder of the impact that strong, consistent leadership has on a team’s success—or its downfall.