Chase Briscoe: Reflections on His First Year with Joe Gibbs Racing

Chase Briscoe’s inaugural season with Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series has been a journey filled with both achievements and missed opportunities. The young driver, who transitioned from Stewart-Haas Racing, found himself grappling with a mix of pride and disappointment after reaching the final four in his first year, particularly after the events at Phoenix Raceway.

A Promising Start

Reflecting on his recent season, Briscoe expressed a blend of satisfaction and frustration. He acknowledged that, at face value, finishing in the final four was a significant accomplishment. “It was definitely a good first year, right?” he remarked in a recent conversation, emphasizing the pride he felt for the team. With an impressive start that saw him giving competitors a half-season advantage, Briscoe’s transition was marked by resilience and determination.

Having previously spent four seasons with Stewart-Haas Racing, Briscoe made the leap to Joe Gibbs Racing, taking over the No. 19 car from veteran Martin Truex Jr. Under the guidance of crew chief James Small, Briscoe faced an essential learning curve. However, their collaboration paid off, resulting in three victories, the most pole positions, and the highest points tally among playoff contenders.

Setting Goals and Achieving Success

At the beginning of the season, Briscoe and Small outlined a series of ambitious goals. With only two career wins under his belt, Briscoe was initially taken aback by the high expectations. “James and I sat down at the start of the year, and he laid out these goals,” he recalled. “I was thinking, ‘man, you expect me to do this with just two wins?’ But we managed to accomplish nearly all of them.” The targets included 15 top-five finishes and leading 800 laps, both of which they successfully achieved.

However, despite these successes, Briscoe found himself grappling with the disappointment of what could have been. The season had its fair share of challenges, which ultimately hindered his ability to secure a championship.

Navigating Challenges on Race Day

During the decisive race at Phoenix, Briscoe faced a series of unfortunate events that left him feeling frustrated. He seemed to have the speed necessary to compete with the dominant Denny Hamlin, his teammate, but a flat tire during early practice and subpar qualifying results put him at a disadvantage. Unfortunately, another flat tire during the race compounded these issues, making it feel as if the odds were stacked against him.

Despite these setbacks, Briscoe showed his tenacity and skill by navigating through the field multiple times. His pit crew played a crucial role, gaining him significant positions throughout the day. However, the lingering question of "what if" haunted him after the race.

“It’s hard to swallow in a sense,” Briscoe reflected, acknowledging the emotional toll of the race. “As the days go on, it gets even tougher to accept because we weren’t running in 15th place all day. I felt we had the potential to win, but the issues prevented us from demonstrating that capability.”

A Crucial Late-Race Decision

One of the key moments that Briscoe continues to reflect on is the late-race tire strategy. He expressed regret for not advocating for a two-tire pit stop, a decision that proved successful for Kyle Larson and his crew chief, Cliff Daniels. Instead, Briscoe opted to trust his crew chief’s instincts, which resulted in four qualifying scuffs instead.

“I’m still kicking myself for that decision,” he admitted. “I wish I had insisted that we take two scuff tires. I would have preferred to be more aggressive on offense. It’s a tough pill to swallow, knowing that my input may have influenced the outcome.”

While Briscoe understands that these decisions are part of racing, the uncertainty of how things might have turned out lingers in his mind.

A Season of Exceeding Expectations

Despite the disappointments, Briscoe’s first year with Joe Gibbs Racing largely exceeded expectations. Coach Joe Gibbs had reached out to Briscoe even before Truex announced his retirement, indicating a strong interest in signing him. “The goal was to at least win a race,” Briscoe recalled. “I don’t think they anticipated the level of success we achieved in our first year.”

Gibbs humorously conveyed the pressure that came with the opportunity, stating, “You better not screw this up,” just moments before Briscoe officially joined the team. In light of this, Briscoe felt a sense of relief and accomplishment when he crossed the finish line in Phoenix, hoping he had lived up to the team’s expectations.

Looking Forward: Setting New Goals

With the season behind him, Briscoe is eager to build on his experiences and set even higher goals for the future. “Now the aim is to elevate our performance and reshape our objectives for the coming year,” he said with determination. He recognizes that the foundation laid during this season will be instrumental in driving success moving forward.

Briscoe’s journey thus far represents a blend of challenges and triumphs, showcasing his potential as a prominent figure in NASCAR. His resilience, combined with the support of his crew and the resources of Joe Gibbs Racing, positions him well for future competitions.

As he prepares for the next chapter in his racing career, Briscoe remains focused on growth and improvement. He is motivated to capitalize on the lessons learned during his first year and is determined to push himself and his team to new heights in the seasons ahead. This combination of ambition and reflection will undoubtedly serve him well as he navigates the ever-evolving landscape of NASCAR.

As he reflects on his first year with Joe Gibbs Racing, Chase Briscoe embodies the spirit of a dedicated racer ready to face challenges head-on and eager to embrace opportunities for success in the future.