The second season of NASCAR: Full Speed offered fans a behind the scenes look at how Chase Briscoe dealt with the closure of Stewart Haas Racing, and how he managed to secure Martin Truex Jr.’s seat at Joe Gibbs Racing.
The popular Netflix docuseries, the second season of which was released on 7 May, follows the playoffs.
As the 30-year-old driver approached the end of the 2024 season, a shadow of doubt was cast over his future with the closure of his team, Stewart Haas Racing, looming and no confirmed contract for 2025. Briscoe ultimately signed for Joe Gibbs Racing as Martin Truex Jr. retired from the sport.
The show gave fans a look into how this team change came about. Briscoe explained, as quoted by NASCAR.com:
“I get a text message from an unsaved number I didn’t have, it says: ‘Chase, it’s Coach [Joe Gibbs], what are you doing tomorrow morning?’ And I said, ‘Well, I’m supposed to go meet with the Wood Brothers – the 21 car.’
“Coach calls me and says ‘I’m nervous about you going to this 21 car. You better not screw this up.’ I said, ‘What do you mean?’ He said, ‘Well, if you want to drive the 19 car, it’s all yours. Martin’s [Truex Jr.] not coming back.’
Briscoe had been with Stewart Haas Racing since 2018, starting part-time before signing a full-time contract in 2019. Speaking on the closure of the Tony Stewart and Gene Haas-led team, Briscoe commented on the Netflix series:
“Everybody at Stewart-Haas has been like family. That’s all I’ve known for the last seven years.
“I was crying literally before we rolled off [at the final race of 2024 in Phoenix]. I don’t think it even hit me until I saw all the guys like they were tearing up on pit road too. Just knowing that we don’t get to race together again is sad.”
The Stewart Haas Racing team shared a heartfelt message on social media following the closure, as previously reported by Newsweek Sports:
“To Our Stewart-Haas Fans, you’ve cheered with us, and yes, sometimes even booed us. You showed up passionately and proudly. And we’ve felt your presence through the highs and lows.
“It’s been the ride of a lifetime to be part of this sport and to play a small role in entertaining you all. As we close this final lap, we want to say thank you. Your energy has been felt in each moment and mile. And we’ll carry your support with us always.”
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