JGR insider explains how NASCAR teams pick replacement drivers amid Martin Truex Jr.’s retirement

A NASCAR insider from Joe Gibbs Racing recently shared insights into the selection process for a replacement driver. Martin Truex Jr.'s retirement announcement paved the way for Chase Briscoe to be named as his successor in the #19 team's Toyota Camry for the upcoming season.

According to the insider, the key factors in choosing a replacement driver include performance, how well they fit with the team’s culture, and their compatibility with sponsors.

After Stewart-Haas Racing declared it would shut down operations at the end of the 2024 season, it prompted all four of its drivers - Chase Briscoe, Noah Gragson, Josh Berry and Ryan Preece - to seek new opportunities. Amid this, Martin Truex Jr. decided to step away from the sport, leading Chase Briscoe to be tapped as the ideal candidate to take over.

Explaining the nuances of choosing a replacement driver, a JGR insider offered some insight via the team's YouTube channel:

"The primary factors we consider when selecting a new driver are their performance level and how well they mesh with our team culture. Right now, we're at a point where Ty Gibbs will be entering his third year, and typically, it takes about three years for a driver to consistently perform well in the Cup series."

The JGR insider elaborated that the team prefers not to have two drivers who are both within that three-year adjustment period simultaneously. For Martin Truex Jr.'s replacement, they were aiming to find someone with perhaps more than three years of experience.

Additionally, they also weigh the option of promoting a development driver from within their Xfinity or Truck Series roster against bringing in an experienced free agent.

Another factor the NASCAR insider listed that favored Chase Briscoe was:

"It's also great that he's a sportsman and he's a great fit with our friends at Bass Pros which made it kind of a match made in heaven. And we're super excited for Chase Brisco to join our team next year."

---

Kyle Larson weighs in on the new JGR lineup

Following his playful jab at Christopher Bell for accidentally leaking team news early, Kyle Larson took a moment to size up the revamped lineup at JGR. Sharing his thoughts with NASCAR, while playfully poking the 43-year-old Denny Hamlin, Larson said:

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, no, it is [a solid, young foundation for the future at JGR]. And then you got one old guy that’s probably leaving in a few years, so yeah."

Kyle Larson continued, praising JGR's new dynamics:

“I think they have a good lineup for sure. I think, looking at Hendrick Motorsports’ lineup, though, I think we have by far the strongest lineup for [the future]. We’re all, you know, in our early 30s or late 20s. Mid 20s for William. And yeah, lots of wins and championships and all that. So yeah, it’s cool to see where the sport’s at right now."

With Martin Truex Jr. stepping down, Denny Hamlin will soon be the sole veteran at JGR in his forties.