Legendary NASCAR crew chief Jason Ratcliff announces Phoenix will be the final race of his career

Jason Ratcliff is the most successful crew chief in NASCAR Xfinity Series history.

Legendary NASCAR crew chief Jason Ratcliff announces Phoenix will be the final race of his career

Jason Ratcliff (Via IMAGO)

NASCAR’s most illustrious crew chief, Jason Ratcliff, is about to close the pit box chapter of his career after an astonishing 800 race starts. Known for his exceptional mechanical acumen and renowned as a celebrated crew chief, Ratcliff has left an indelible mark on the sport of stock car racing.

Ratcliff is the guiding force behind the No. 19 Toyota GR Supra at Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, a role he has mastered over the years. He’s been the orchestrator of numerous victories, a mentor to many, and a pivotal figure in the success of the No. 19 team.

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In a heartfelt announcement on Sirius XM NASCAR Radio, Ratcliff candidly declared:

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Nah, that’s it, yeah, Phoenix is going to be it. This is going to be my last season as a crew chief."

He expressed his enthusiasm for the competition and expressed hope that he could continue to stay engaged in that aspect of the sport. However, the crew chief also looked forward to not having to pack a bag every week and board airplanes.

Ratcliff’s journey in the world of NASCAR began nearly three decades ago. It all started on the Texas racetracks, where he honed his skills working on mini Sprint Cars. From those early days, he demonstrated his unwavering commitment and mechanical prowess. In 1995, he transitioned to NASCAR, quickly proving his mettle as a mechanic and rear tire changer for various teams. These early experiences laid the foundation for his exceptional career.

Jason Ratcliff has affirmed that he won’t be completely absent from the sport

His legacy in NASCAR is most profoundly defined by his association with Joe Gibbs Racing since 2005. His versatility as a crew chief is evident in his successful tenures with drivers like Kyle Busch, Matt Kenseth, and Joey Logano. Ratcliff’s remarkable 28 race victories and 2009 NASCAR Cup Series championship win with Busch underline his enduring dedication, making him the most successful crew chief in NASCAR Xfinity Series history.

Christopher Bell and Jason Ratcliff
Christopher Bell and Jason Ratcliff (Credits: Getty Images)

Despite stepping away from the pit box as a full-time crew chief, Ratcliff isn’t bidding farewell to NASCAR altogether. He expressed:

I’ll come to the racetrack a handful of times a year, just to keep that going, and it’s such a great experience. It’s time for me to not travel every week, so I have to stop crew chiefing.

As Jason Ratcliff prepares to celebrate his 800th race start as a crew chief, NASCAR bids farewell to one of its most iconic figures. Ratcliff’s legacy is etched in the annals of the sport’s history, and while he may be hanging up his headset, his love for the track endures. His retirement marks the close of an incredible chapter, but Ratcliff’s impact on NASCAR will endure for generations.

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