Chase Briscoe’s crew chief set for COTA, but uncertainty still surrounds his future. James Small will be on the pit box for the upcoming race, even as his suspension remains unresolved. NASCAR’s ruling left Joe Gibbs Racing in a tough spot, and the appeal hearing is now a crucial moment for the team. With the penalty looming, the outcome could change everything. How long will Small remain with the team before a final decision is made?
Key Highlights
- Chase Briscoe finished fourth in the Daytona 500, showcasing his potential despite the penalty setback.
- The L2-level penalty resulted in a significant points deduction, dropping Briscoe to -67 points after the Atlanta race.
- Briscoe’s appeal process is crucial; a successful outcome could restore valuable points for his championship run.
- He has a solid support system within Stewart-Haas Racing, which can help him navigate this challenging period.
- The upcoming COTA race is critical; Briscoe aims to leverage his prior success there to improve his standings.
A Promising Start Turns Into a Nightmare
Although the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season began with promise for Chase Briscoe and his team, the excitement quickly turned into a considerable challenge.
Briscoe’s impressive performance at the Daytona 500, where he secured the pole position and finished fourth, initially set high expectations. This momentum was further buoyed by the success of his teammate Christopher Bell, who clinched a crucial win at Atlanta, highlighting the strength of Joe Gibbs Racing.
However, the landscape shifted dramatically when Briscoe’s team faced a notable setback: an L2-level penalty that not only dampened their spirits but also substantially impacted their points standing.
This unforeseen obstacle has forced Briscoe and his team to reassess their strategies and fight to reclaim their competitive edge in the series.
The Severity of NASCAR’s Penalty
As the consequences of the penalty set in, the severity of NASCAR’s disciplinary action against Joe Gibbs Racing became increasingly apparent. The effects of this decision extend beyond mere fines; they fundamentally alter the competitive landscape for Chase Briscoe and his team.
Key aspects of the penalty include:
- A $100,000 fine levied against Joe Gibbs Racing.
- A considerable deduction of 100 driver and owner points for Briscoe.
- The loss of 10 playoff points, potentially jeopardizing future standings.
- The suspension of crew chief James Small for four races.
These measures highlight NASCAR’s commitment to upholding stringent regulations and maintaining fairness within the sport, ultimately posing a daunting challenge for Briscoe as he seeks to navigate this setback.
Chase Briscoe’s Appeal and the Fight for Redemption
In the wake of the substantial penalty imposed on Joe Gibbs Racing, Chase Briscoe now faces the intimidating challenge of mounting a successful appeal to reclaim his standing in the NASCAR series.
With his points plummeting to -67 after the Atlanta race, the urgency for a favorable outcome has intensified. The appeal hearing is scheduled for March 5, just two days following the Circuit of the Americas race. This timeline places extra strain on Briscoe and his team.
“The appeal for Chase Briscoe’s No. 19 team has been set for March 5. The suspension of James Small is still deferred, so he will be with the team in COTA as he was in Atlanta.” – Kelly Crandall
The appeal for Chase Briscoe's No. 19 team has been set for March 5. The suspension of James Small is still deferred, so he will be with the team in COTA as he was in Atlanta.
— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) February 26, 2025
However, a silver lining exists: James Small, a seasoned crew chief with a proven track record, remains available for the COTA race. His extensive experience, including guiding Martin Truex Jr. to numerous victories, may provide the critical support Briscoe needs to navigate this challenging situation.
Chase Briscoe’s Confidence Amidst the Challenge
Resolve fuels Chase Briscoe’s approach as he navigates the challenging landscape of NASCAR following a substantial penalty setback.
Despite the recent adversity, Briscoe remains undeterred, highlighting his ability to thrive under stress. His past achievements enhance his confidence, particularly his crucial victory at Darlington, which secured a playoff spot for his team.
“If my back is up against the wall (to make the playoffs), I don’t hate that feeling. I feel like I do better almost in those situations a lot of times.” – Chase Briscoe
Briscoe’s resilience will be critical as he seeks to reclaim his footing in the standings.
Key factors contributing to his confidence include:
- Previous success in high-stress situations.
- A strong support system within Stewart-Haas Racing.
- A mindset that accepts challenges as opportunities for growth.
- An unyielding resolve to improve performance despite setbacks.
A Crucial Opportunity at COTA
The upcoming race at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) offers Chase Briscoe a remarkable opportunity to improve his standings in the NASCAR series following a recent penalty setback. Currently 51 points below the cutline, Briscoe has illustrated potential on road courses, finishing in the top 15 three times in his four COTA appearances.
“We should be able to go to the racetrack and contend for wins on a lot more consistent basis. So, you know, my whole approach going into this year was trying to win multiple races and that doesn’t change. The points situation obviously is unfortunate. But I mean, we still just need to go win races at the end of the day.” – Chase Briscoe
A win at COTA, combined with a stage victory, could greatly mitigate his deficit. However, he faces strong competition from road course specialist Shane van Gisbergen, who is the favorite.
News In Brief: Chase Briscoe’s Crew Chief Set for COTA
Chase Briscoe faces a noteworthy challenge after receiving a considerable points penalty, which has put his competitive standing in jeopardy. Despite the setback, his appeal offers a glimmer of hope for redemption, reflecting his resolve to overcome adversity.
With confidence strengthened by his team’s support, Briscoe now has an essential opportunity to prove himself at COTA. Ultimately, his ability to navigate this difficult situation will be critical in assessing his season’s path and potential for success.
