How a ‘failed’ driver changed NASCAR driver’s performance game for Kyle Larson, Austin Dillon, Sheldon Creed and more

Modified Oct 14, 2023 03:14 IST

Former Cup Series champion Kyle Larson, Xfinity winner Tyler Reddick, Truck champion Austin Dillon, and ARCA Series winner Sheldon Creed all share a connection – Josh Wise. Wise, once considered a ‘failed’ prospect in NASCAR, has left an indelible mark on the world of stock car racing.

While Josh Wise’s name may not immediately bring to mind the icons of NASCAR, his journey as a driver is a testament to perseverance. Despite not meeting the high expectations placed upon him, Wise has since embarked on a post-racing venture to revolutionize driver performance.

Josh Wise’s NASCAR Career

When Josh Wise arrived in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2011, there was great promise attached to his name. As a former superstar in open-wheel cars, he entered the world of stock car racing with immense potential. However, his career in NASCAR did not live up to expectations.

Across six Cup seasons and 156 races, Wise only achieved a single top-10 finish and led a mere seven laps. Similarly, his results in the Xfinity Series were lackluster, with only six top-10 finishes in 150 races. Despite driving for multiple teams, including JR Motorsports and Front Row Motorsports, Wise struggled to make a name for himself.

However, in 2017, Wise decided to hang up his racing helmet and instead focused on helping other drivers optimize their results. Leveraging his background in triathlons and driver preparation, Wise pitched his idea to a friend and mentor at Chip Ganassi Racing.

This decision marked a turning point for Wise as he began working with Ganassi drivers, including eventual Cup champion Kyle Larson. Wise’s reputation grew, and his business flourished, guiding champions like Larson and Sheldon Creed, who won the Craftsman Trucks championship in 2020.

Another success story is Tyler Reddick, who won the Xfinity Series championship in 2018 and 2019. Although Wise served as a consultant for Reddick at the time, he doesn’t consider those titles as his own.

Austin Dillon, known as “The Ace,” is another shining example of a driver mentored by Josh Wise. Dillon, a Daytona winner and Truck Series champion, has seen significant success under Wise’s guidance.

Now, as NASCAR continues to evolve, Wise remains one of the most influential figures on the grid. At the age of 40, he continues to serve as the driver’s performance manager for Chevrolet teams such as GMS Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, and CGR. Through his innovative program, Wise illuminates the path to excellence for the next generation of NASCAR stars, including Kyle Larson.