DARLINGTON, S.C. — Chase Briscoe is looking forward to returning to Darlington Raceway this weekend, a place where he clinched a memorable victory last September during NASCAR’s Southern 500. That thrilling win, which was earned with a dramatic three-wide pass in the closing stages, marked a triumphant end to the regular season and injected life into his now-shuttered Stewart-Haas Racing team’s championship aspirations.
Briscoe’s focus quickly shifted from celebrating his win to preparing for the playoffs and adapting to his forthcoming role with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2025. Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Briscoe remarked on the unusual transition from victory to championship contention, which left little room for celebration. “It was kind of weird,” Briscoe shared in a phone interview, describing the rapid shift in focus.
As the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Darlington for the Goodyear 400 on Sunday, Briscoe anticipates a chance to savor the memories from his significant win at the notoriously challenging track, where he outmaneuvered two-time NASCAR champion Kyle Busch. Winning at Darlington is considered a pinnacle achievement, according to Briscoe, and it has bolstered his confidence and respect within the racing community.
“Winning at Darlington, especially the Southern 500, changes everything. It’s a career moment and brings a new level of respect,” he acknowledged. Fellow driver William Byron, who captured the Daytona 500 and triumphed at the spring Darlington race in 2023, understands the profound impact a victory there can have. “It’s always been a track all drivers want to win on,” Byron added.
Briscoe aims to repeat his success at Darlington, although he now faces numerous changes, having taken over JGR’s No. 19 car from retired champion Martin Truex Jr. Adjusting to a new team, new responsibilities, and elevated expectations has been a steep learning curve. He admitted to underestimating the challenges, believing initially that his performance would naturally improve with a superior car.
The transition requires Briscoe to adopt a business-like demeanor both during the preparation phase and at the track. While his time with Stewart-Haas was often about enjoying the experience with limited pressure to win, JGR demands a winning mindset from its drivers, as evidenced by teammates Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin’s recent success.
“At JGR, you’re expected to win. Anything less is a letdown,” Briscoe explained, noting that meeting these expectations is crucial. So far, he has shown promise, securing Toyota’s first pole at the Daytona 500 this season and achieving two fourth-place finishes at Daytona and Homestead. His recent ninth place at Martinsville is a testament to his ongoing adjustment to the new team.
Embracing this higher level of competition, Briscoe is optimistic about his future with JGR. “The car’s capability excites me as a driver. It’s the kind of place I’m excited to hopefully be at for a long time,” he concluded, enthused by the potential that lies ahead.