Christopher Bell accidentally name drops 'Chase' joining Joe Gibbs Racing team ahead of announcement

Christopher Bell may have just let the cat out of the bag when it comes to who will replace the retiring Martin Truex Jr. in the No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing next season.

Bell, speaking with the media Friday ahead of Sunday’s USA TODAY 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, accidentally name dropped “Chase” when answering a question about his leadership role at JGR increasing.

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

“I don’t think that there really is a leadership role in that aspect,” Bell said before slipping up, via Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports. “Whenever Chase comes into the car [pauses and smiles] … I don’t even know what to say. Whenever we have a new driver [in the car].

Of course, the “Chase” likely mentioned here is Chase Briscoe, who is reported to be the favorite to replace Truex. Briscoe is available for hire following Stewart-Haas Racing’s announcement last month that it will shut down operations after this season. While nothing’s been officially announced, JGR appears close to landing Briscoe, Pockrass reported earlier this week.

Chase Briscoe to Joe Gibbs Racing nearly a done deal?

Briscoe, still just 29 and with a playoff appearance on his résumé, already has “multiple offers on the table” for a Cup Series ride next season, he said Tuesday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. He added that, “It’s nice to feel wanted.”

Briscoe currently sits 17th in the points standings, best among all four SHR drivers, despite underperforming of late. Briscoe has finished P25, P17, P34 and P28 in the four races coming out of the All-Star break.

“I feel like I’m pretty close [to a 2025 deal],” Briscoe said ahead of the race at Iowa. “I feel pretty good about it. There’s a lot of different [factors in the decision]. Performance is one thing that definitely [in] weighing the options is something that is important, the future and what the future looks like.

“And then obviously, the other part is, what’s going to be the best to provide for my family. With twins on the way, I’m going to have three kids. That is a real thought now, just what’s going to set us up for the future in the best way.”