Friday Four-Pack: Racing Headlines From June 24-28

Chase Briscoe will take over driving duties of Joe Gibbs Racing's No. 19 Toyota next year. (HHP/David Graham photo)

MOORESVILLE, N.C. – The world of motorsports is always fast-paced, with numerous stories throughout the week that capture the interest of fans, sponsors, and drivers alike.

Here’s a look at the four most prominent news items from the week of June 24-28 across the spectrum, including NASCAR, drag racing, sprint cars, and Formula One.

1. Chase Briscoe Signs With Joe Gibbs Racing For 2025

The news that no one doubted was coming was made official Tuesday, as Chase Briscoe was named the successor to Martin Truex Jr. in the No. 19 Toyota Camry XSE next season in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Joe Gibbs Racing revealed the news in the wake of a minor snafu last weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, when Christopher Bell accidentally let slip during his media availability that “Chase” would come into the car next year.

Briscoe is set to join JGR from Stewart-Haas Racing, which will close its doors at the end of the current Cup Series season after more than a decade of competition. The team earned Cup Series championships with team co-owner Tony Stewart (2011) and Kevin Harvick (2014), who retired at the end of last year.

Briscoe will work with current No. 19 crew chief James Small and carry the orange-and-black colors of Bass Pro Shops in a prominent role next year, as noted outdoor enthusiast and businessman Johnny Morris continues his support of the JGR organization as well.

2. John Force Improving After Vicious Crash In Virginia

In a statement from John Force Racing officials released Thursday afternoon, the team confirmed that NHRA legend and 16-time Funny Car champion John Force has been moved from the trauma intensive care unit to the neuro intensive care unit at a local Virginia hospital.

Force was hospitalized following a hard shunt in the June 23 round of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series at Virginia Motorsports Park, when a catastrophic engine failure sent his PEAK-sponsored Funny Car into a concrete barrier at 302 mph.

The primary concern of his medical team at the current point is the head injury that Force suffered during the crash, and more details will be shared as they become available from the team. However, team officials did note that Force is making improvements in his recovery process.

Force’s daughter Brittany will not compete in Top Fuel action this weekend at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, but Austin Prock will race for JFR in the AAA-sponsored Funny Car that is currently battling for a Countdown berth to contend for an NHRA season championship.

The 75-year-old Force was reported to be alert at the track after his incident before he was transported to the hospital.

3. Kody Swanson To Make Winged Sprint Car Return

Kody Swanson will dip his toes back into the water of winged pavement sprint car racing on July 5 when he pilots the Dick Myers Racing No. 50m entry with Must See Racing at Birch Run Speedway and Event Center.

Swanson, a seven-time USAC Silver Crown Champ Car Series champion and one of the most dominant asphalt open-wheel drivers of the current generation, will make his first start with a wing overhead since 2015, and his first winged Must See Racing appearance since May 23, 2012 at Anderson (Ind.) Speedway.

The 36-year-old Kingsburg, Calif., native has one career Must See Racing victory, though it came in non-winged action at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in 2020 – the tour’s lone non-winged event in its 15-year history.

4. Pierre Gasly Inks Multi-Year Extension With BWT Alpine F-1 Team

Announced Thursday, Frenchman Pierre Gasly has signed a new contract to remain with the Alpine Formula One squad through 2025 “and beyond,” according to team officials.

Gasly is in the midst of his second season with Alpine and is a veteran of 140 F-1 grand prix starts.

He’s made 32 appearances with Alpine to date, scoring 67 total points and two podium finishes, including an impressive third-place result in last year’s Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.

Gasly’s teammate for next year’s Formula One World Championship will be announced at a later date.