The race at Bristol Motor Speedway brought a new kind of spotlight on Chase Briscoe.
Starting far from the front, he found his way into the top four by the end. Many watched closely as he worked through the field. With help from the Joe Gibbs Racing team, he showed something few expected this early. The result was not just about points. It marked a change that could shape what comes next.
Key Highlights
- Chase Briscoe achieved a notable 4th-place finish at Bristol Motor Speedway, silencing critics with his strong performance.
- Starting in 14th, Briscoe showcased tactical insight and patience, advancing to a top-5 finish.
- The Bristol race marked a significant moment in Briscoe’s integration with Joe Gibbs Racing.
- Briscoe’s performance emphasized his adaptability and growth within the JGR team.
- Synergy with crew chief James Small contributed to Briscoe’s impressive results and potential.
Chase Briscoe’s Transition to Joe Gibbs Racing and Early Success
Although Chase Briscoe‘s move to Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) marked a notable change in his NASCAR career, his early performance has highlighted promising potential. Shifting from Stewart-Haas Racing to the esteemed Toyota camp of JGR was no small feat, yet Briscoe’s adaptability has been commendable.
Working with the seasoned No. 19 team, previously led by Martin Truex Jr., Briscoe showcased his skill with commendable fourth-place finishes at both Daytona and Homestead. This consistency, amidst a season where teammates Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin have already secured five victories, emphasizes Briscoe’s capability to integrate into JGR’s winning fabric seamlessly.
Despite the challenges inherent in switching teams and vehicles, Briscoe’s results highlight his growth and resolve. His ability to secure top finishes consistently signals not only his potential but also JGR’s tactical foresight in nurturing talent.
Chase Briscoe’s Performance and Confidence at Bristol
Chase Briscoe’s integration into Joe Gibbs Racing has been marked by consistent performances, and his showing at Bristol Motor Speedway further solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor.
“After the green-flag pit stop, the car was phenomenal, truthfully. I felt like I could have been in the lead… but you know, you’re coming from so far behind. I was able to pass quite a few of the good cars.”
“I think I ran the 54 [Ty Gibbs] down almost in the straightaway and a half. Yeah, it felt really, really good at the end. Just ran out of laps, fighting for track position. I had one restart where I bottomed down and lost 5 or 6 spots. If I could have restarted that final start with 200 or something to go… probably would have been a whole different story.” – Chase Briscoe
His path at the Food City 500 highlighted his adaptability and growing confidence in the No. 19 car. Briscoe’s performance can be broken down into several key elements:
- Starting Position: Briscoe began the race in 14th place, displaying patience and tactical insight.
- Race Progression: By the end of stage 2, he advanced to 8th, demonstrating his ability to navigate the field effectively.
- Final Laps: During the final 235 laps, Briscoe capitalized on the long green flag run to climb to a remarkable 4th-place finish.
- Post-Race Insights: Briscoe’s reflections revealed his confidence and understanding of the car’s potential, as he described the car as “phenomenal” after the green-flag pit stop.
.@chasebriscoe calls today one of the first races where he’s felt fully comfortable with @JoeGibbsRacing, he’s part of a JGR 2-3-4 finish in 4th. #NASCAR #FoodCity500 pic.twitter.com/LLAVXwADrb
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) April 13, 2025
Chase Briscoe’s Journey with Joe Gibbs Racing and Crew Chief James Small
With an air of cautious optimism, Chase Briscoe’s expedition with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) and crew chief James Small marks a remarkable chapter in his NASCAR career. Briscoe acknowledged his growing comfort with the JGR team, citing a considerable learning curve.
“I would say today was the first race that I’ve felt really, really comfortable outside of Homestead. Yeah, I don’t know. There’s still definitely some little things that I’m still trying to get the feel for. James is obviously trying to figure me out as well. So it’s going to take a little bit of time. But I would say it’s encouraging – the finishes and the speed we’ve had… We don’t feel like 100% at all, and we’re still running up front.” – Chase Briscoe
He described the Bristol race as a crucial moment in his adaptation, stating it was the initial time he felt truly at ease since Homestead. Despite ongoing adjustments, the team’s performance has been promising, with consistent front-running finishes.
James Small, previously experiencing a winless season with Martin Truex Jr., is now witnessing an upward path with Briscoe. The duo’s synergy has been evident, suggesting the potential for future victories.
NASCAR Community’s Loss and Kyle Larson’s Dedication
The NASCAR community was enveloped in grief following the recent losses of three significant figures, highlighting the sport’s close-knit nature and the deep personal connections among its members.
“You have to give that team their due — just a dominant performance. It looked like a pretty flawless day for them. It looked pretty easy. It was all I had to try to keep up there. I’m glad we were able to give him a little bit of a run with our Progressive Toyota. But this weekend, we are all thinking about Jon Edwards’ family, Al Pearce, Shige Hattori. We’ve lost a lot of great people in our sport over the last week, so our thoughts are with them.” – denny hamlin
- Al Pearce, a revered NASCAR reporter, whose legacy as a road warrior spanned decades.
- Shigeaki Hattori, a former driver and championship-winning NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series owner, lost in a tragic highway crash.
- Jon Edwards, the communications director for Hendrick Motorsports, whose passing profoundly impacted Kyle Larson.
Amidst this grief, Kyle Larson exhibited incredible dedication at Bristol. Despite setbacks in the Truck race, he resolved to honor Edwards’ memory by succeeding in the Xfinity and Cup Series races.
Larson’s performance was nothing short of remarkable, leading 411 of 500 laps in the Food City 500. While Denny Hamlin admired Larson’s dominance, he reminded everyone of the collective loss, emphasizing the enduring unity within NASCAR.
News in Brief: Chase Briscoe’s Bristol Breakthrough
Chase Briscoe’s impressive performance at Bristol demonstrates his successful adaptation to Joe Gibbs Racing, highlighting his tactical skill and burgeoning rapport with the team. His advancement from 14th to 4th place emphasizes his growing confidence and ability, suggesting a promising path in NASCAR. Supported by crew chief James Small, Briscoe’s experience reflects his resilience and resolve. As he continues to accept the competitive spirit of JGR, Briscoe’s future in the sport looks bright and full of potential.
ALSO READ: Chase Briscoe’s Daring Victory: Stewart-Haas Racing’s Emotional Farewell at Darlington
