The collaboration between Chase Briscoe and Joe Gibbs Racing continues to strengthen as the NASCAR Cup Series progresses through its season. With a quarter of the season now behind them, Briscoe has noticed a gradual improvement within the No. 19 Bass Pro Shops team. Taking the helm of this car this season and working under the guidance of James Small, Briscoe has experienced a more stable environment in recent weeks, especially after successfully appealing an early-season penalty.
However, Briscoe acknowledges that there is still a considerable amount of work ahead. “I still feel like we’re not at our best yet,” Briscoe expressed during an interview at Talladega Superspeedway. “I haven’t discussed our progress with James (Small), but personally, I feel like I still have a lot to learn about the car. Each week brings new discoveries, and both James and I are working hard to improve our performance leading up to race weekends. Our simulations are improving, and we are learning how to adjust better.”
Briscoe remains optimistic about the speed they have shown, despite feeling that they are not yet at their peak performance. “It’s encouraging to see our speed, especially considering how much room we have to grow. I’m excited about what lies ahead, but I believe I will have a clearer understanding of our capabilities in a few weeks. We have several mile-and-a-half tracks coming up, which I think will be crucial for us,” he added. Briscoe noted that mastering the handling of the car on these types of tracks has been a challenge, but he looks forward to the upcoming practice sessions.
As for his current standing, Briscoe finds himself in 13th place in the championship rankings, boasting four top-10 finishes. His team achieved a notable fourth-place finish at the recent race held at Bristol Motor Speedway, matching their best result of the season, which he also secured at Homestead-Miami Speedway and during the opening race of the Daytona 500.
Following the Talladega race, the series will shift focus to three important points-paying intermediate races: Texas, Kansas, and Charlotte. Later in June, the competition will head to Nashville Superspeedway and Michigan International Speedway. These intermediate tracks, particularly the mile-and-a-half ones, are pivotal in the NASCAR season, serving as key battlegrounds for drivers.
Briscoe didn’t anticipate the significant differences in handling when he transitioned to this new team. He has found that the Toyota he now drives reacts differently compared to the Ford vehicle he operated for four years at Stewart-Haas Racing. Among the various adjustments he has had to make, adapting to the car’s characteristics remains a work in progress.
“On the mile-and-a-halfs, I can feel the distinction,” Briscoe commented. “While there are minor differences on the short tracks compared to SHR, the biggest contrasts are definitely on the mile-and-a-half tracks. We haven’t had the opportunity to race many of them this season. Participating in the Charlotte Goodyear tire test back in March was beneficial, but I still haven’t raced closely against many competitors on mile-and-a-half tracks yet. In Las Vegas, for instance, we faced a tire penalty that left us four laps down, and I spent a significant portion of the race just trying to stay in the back.”
While Briscoe is not the lowest-ranked driver at Gibbs, he has observed his teammates Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin enjoying success with multiple wins this season. The challenge lies in balancing the desire to give himself and his team the necessary time to adjust to their new dynamics while also striving to reach their full potential.
“I definitely want to win, especially when I see my teammates succeeding,” Briscoe admitted. “It raises the question of why we can’t achieve the same results. I felt that even two weeks ago at Bristol, our car had the speed to contend for a win at the end of that race. It’s a matter of finding the right balance as we make adjustments during practice and throughout the race.”
Briscoe remains confident that his team will eventually reach a point where they can compete for victories. However, he acknowledges the frustration that comes with watching his teammates secure wins while he is still acclimating to the new car and team dynamics. “I know we’re going to get there, and we’ll have our chances to win races. It’s just a bit disheartening when I see my teammates succeeding, but I need to remember that this is all very new, and there are numerous elements that I’m still adapting to,” he concluded.
Overall, Briscoe’s journey with Joe Gibbs Racing has been marked by a series of adjustments and growth. As he continues to familiarize himself with the nuances of his new car and team, he remains focused on the road ahead, eager to refine his skills and contribute to the team’s success. With several crucial races approaching, Briscoe is determined to harness the lessons learned and apply them in pursuit of his first victory with Joe Gibbs Racing. The anticipation for the upcoming races is palpable as Briscoe looks to translate his ongoing development into tangible results on the track.
This season holds the promise of growth and potential for Briscoe and his team. As they navigate the challenges ahead, the commitment to continuous improvement and teamwork will be essential. With the right adjustments and a little more time, Chase Briscoe is poised to elevate his performance and make a significant impact in the NASCAR Cup Series.
