Chase Briscoe: The Underdog Ready to Conquer the NASCAR Cup Series Championship

Chase Briscoe is entering the final race of the NASCAR Cup Series with a reputation of being the underdog among the four contenders. Despite this perception, Briscoe holds a confident stance, asserting that he feels no pressure—even if he recognizes that he is viewed as a long shot. Throughout his racing career, being underestimated has become a familiar narrative, and he embraces it wholeheartedly. In his own words, “My whole career, I’ve been the underdog with the longest odds, so I kind of like that, truthfully.”

Briscoe’s journey to the Championship 4 has not been without its challenges. His Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) team had shown remarkable strength throughout the postseason, racking up impressive statistics until a mechanical failure interrupted their momentum during the elimination race at Martinsville Speedway. Although this setback left a mark on his playoff numbers, it did not diminish his overall performance.

Dominating the Playoffs

In the nine races leading up to this championship showdown, Briscoe has secured eight top-10 finishes and led a total of 562 laps, demonstrating his prowess on the track. Notably, he has been a consistent presence in the top rankings, leading at least some laps in seven of those nine races, accumulating a total of 337 points. This performance puts him ahead of his fellow title contenders—Denny Hamlin, William Byron, and Kyle Larson—who have all recorded fewer top-10 finishes during this playoff stretch.

While Larson did surpass Briscoe in points earned by finishing in the top five at Martinsville, Briscoe’s earlier successes, including two postseason victories at Darlington Raceway and Talladega Superspeedway, have solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor. In fact, he stands as one of only two title contenders with multiple wins in the playoffs, with Hamlin being the other.

Confidence in Equal Competition

Briscoe maintains that all four championship contenders are closely matched, emphasizing that the outcome will hinge on execution. “I feel like we’re all honestly really evenly matched,” he stated. “It’s just a matter of executing. I wouldn’t feel like we’re an underdog. I feel like that’s probably a pretty good bet.” As the championship odds shift, sportsbooks like DraftKings show Hamlin as the favorite at +235, followed by Larson and Byron at +350, with Briscoe slightly trailing at +310.

This race marks Briscoe’s inaugural appearance in the Championship 4, raising the stakes but not the pressure he feels. “Honestly, I don’t feel like there’s any pressure,” he noted. “That probably sounds weird to say, but nobody really expected us to be here anyway.” He acknowledges that expectations may shift in the future, especially after the strong performance of the current season.

Transitioning to a New Team

This season has been a significant one for Briscoe, as he transitioned to driving for Joe Gibbs Racing. Initially, adapting to a new car and team dynamics presented challenges, affecting race execution. However, the turning point came in late June when Briscoe achieved his first victory at Pocono Raceway, which boosted the team’s confidence and marked the beginning of a new chapter.

August proved to be another pivotal moment for Briscoe and his team, as he began to sense their championship-level potential. The team consistently demonstrated strong performances, achieving four top-five finishes within five races. Despite acknowledging that they had not yet reached their full capabilities, Briscoe felt a renewed sense of optimism. “I felt like if we kept building on that to the playoffs, then we were going to be in a really good spot,” he remarked.

Learning from Past Experiences

Reflecting on his past encounters at the Phoenix Raceway, Briscoe recalls a challenging spring race where he finished in 35th place due to a crash. However, he also highlights that this track holds a special significance, as it was where he achieved his first career Cup Series victory in 2022. This victory not only marked a personal milestone but also served as a reminder of his resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks.

With a solid understanding of the track and his team’s capabilities, Briscoe feels ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead in the championship race. His experiences, both good and bad, have equipped him with the knowledge and determination to compete at the highest level.

Embracing the Underdog Mentality

Briscoe’s underdog status is not just a label; it’s a source of motivation for him. He understands that the narrative surrounding his journey can fuel his drive to succeed. Embracing this mentality, he channels the energy of being underestimated into his performance on race day. “I feel like there’s more pressure next year with how good this year [has gone]. Now the expectations are there,” he expressed, indicating that he is comfortable with the current low expectations placed upon him.

This mindset allows Briscoe to focus on what he can control—his performance on the racetrack. With the support of his team and the lessons learned throughout the season, Briscoe is prepared to tackle the challenges of the championship race without the weight of external expectations.

The Road Ahead: Strategy and Execution

As the championship race approaches, strategy and execution become increasingly critical. Briscoe and his team must fine-tune their approach to ensure they are operating at peak performance. This involves not only preparing the car but also developing a clear race strategy that accounts for potential variables on race day, such as weather conditions, tire management, and pit stop timing.

Briscoe’s confidence in his team is evident, and he believes that their collaborative efforts will play a vital role in determining the outcome of the race. “We have to execute the best we can,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and communication during the race.

Conclusion

As Chase Briscoe gears up for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship, he embodies the spirit of an underdog ready to make a mark. His journey thus far has been marked by resilience, determination, and a willingness to embrace challenges. With a strong foundation built throughout the season and the support of his team, Briscoe is poised to compete fiercely for the title. The upcoming race at Phoenix Raceway will not only test his skills but also showcase his growth as a driver and competitor. No matter the outcome, Briscoe’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the thrill of competition in the world of NASCAR.