Chase Briscoe discusses Xfinity Series racing challenges after competing at Charlotte for Joe Gibbs Racing, where he faced nerves and noted the logistical obstacles that limited his participation with Stewart-Haas Racing in past seasons. The Cup Series driver detailed these experiences and reflected on the significance of NASCAR’s Coke 600, speaking candidly about the unique aspects and his emotional connection to the event.
Briscoe Returns to Xfinity Series at Charlotte with Joe Gibbs Racing
Chase Briscoe recently made a notable return to the Xfinity Series, racing the #19 car for Joe Gibbs Racing at the Charlotte event. This marked his first start in the series since his run at IRC in 2022, although Briscoe clarified that his true gap in experience dated further back in his own recollection, creating a sense of unease before race day. Despite driving regularly in NASCAR’s top division, Briscoe brought home a 23rd-place finish in this lower-tier series outing.
Briscoe shared that, although he desired to compete more frequently in the Xfinity Series, his stint at Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) was marked by a shortage of available cars suitable for extra starts. Opportunities for additional races were simply not present given the team’s resources, a contrast to the all-star lineup Joe Gibbs Racing could offer for such occasions.
“I would love to run more Xfinity stuff in the past, but SHR (Stewart-Haas Racing) never really had the cars to be able to do it, and JGR (Joe Gibbs Racing) obviously has the all-star car. Lance Crackers has been on our Cup car all year as an associate. They are based right here in Charlotte, so it is kind of one of those things that they wanted to be a part of being a primary, and they asked if I was willing to drive it, and I said yeah. I would love too,” Briscoe described.—Chase Briscoe, Driver
Strong Cup Series Start Reflects Career Progress for Briscoe
Briscoe’s Xfinity return comes during what he has called the best start of his Cup Series career. With four top-five finishes through the first 12 events of the season, Briscoe has already surpassed previous records, edging past his three top-five results at this stage in 2023 with SHR. This consistency highlights his growth as a driver and emphasizes the progress made since his last regular run in the Xfinity Series.
The Special Meaning of the Coke 600 in Briscoe’s NASCAR Journey
Looking ahead, Briscoe is preparing for his fifth start in the prestigious Coca Cola 600. He enters this year’s race from pole position, adding another milestone in an eventful season. Over the years, Briscoe’s performances in the Coke 600 have included one top-five effort, a 20th-place result, and several finishes outside the top twenty.
The Coke 600, known as one of NASCAR’s crown jewels, carries special weight in the sport and within Briscoe’s own racing philosophy. He elaborated on the patriotic atmosphere and extended race distance that set it apart from every other event on the NASCAR calendar.
“It really puts things in perspective. We all are carrying a solider on our car, so you get to meet the family prior to the race – it is just different than any other race, but it is also different because it is 100 more miles than any other race too,” he mentioned.—Chase Briscoe, Driver
Briscoe emphasized that racing in the Coke 600 brings a sense of pride and meaning thanks to its blend of competition and commemoration, particularly for those who get to carry a soldier’s name and honor their legacy. The event’s emotional core and the challenge of its unique distance deepen its appeal for drivers and fans alike.
What Lies Ahead for Briscoe
As Briscoe continues his Cup Series campaign with Joe Gibbs Racing and looks forward to the significant test of the Coke 600, his reflections on career challenges and opportunities at both SHR and JGR offer insight into the complexities drivers face when balancing aspirations with resources. For Briscoe, navigating these hurdles while embracing the emotional resonance of landmark races like the Coke 600 has marked both his growth as a competitor and his deepening connection to NASCAR’s most celebrated traditions.
