Chase Briscoe experienced a bittersweet victory at Pocono Raceway, earning another win for Stewart-Haas Racing but missing the emotional celebration with his family that had made last year’s Darlington triumph special. Briscoe opened up about longing for a moment similar to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s milestone, as Earnhardt made headlines guiding Connor Zilisch to a historic win as a first-time crew chief for JR Motorsports. The significance of the Dale Earnhardt Jr. historic crew chief win was not lost on Briscoe, as both drivers balanced career breakthroughs with heartfelt family connections.
Family Matters Deepen the Meaning of Victory
Last season saw Briscoe earn a coveted spot in the playoffs after winning the final regular season race at Darlington, a victory celebrated with his wife Marissa and their son Brooks, as well as the anticipation of twins on the way. The moment combined professional accomplishment and personal joy, highlighted by Briscoe’s emotional display at Victory Lane, surrounded by his loved ones and the High Point-sponsored car.
This year, however, the experience at Pocono felt different. With Marissa and their three young children cheering from home, Briscoe admitted that their absence was keenly felt after his win. He wished for the type of family celebration witnessed a day earlier, when Dale Earnhardt Jr. stood on pit road with his daughters, marking his own first race as a crew chief for JR Motorsports—a race that ended with Zilisch’s notable Xfinity Series victory.
Missing His Family During a Key Milestone
Briscoe reflected candidly on not being able to share his win in person with his family this time. Speaking about his oldest son Brooks, Briscoe recalled the interaction that tugged at his heart as he connected with his family remotely:
“And that sucks, right? When they’re not here to celebrate that with you, but yeah, it’s going to be fun to, you know, go home, bring the big trophy.”
—Chase Briscoe
The conversation with Brooks brought Briscoe close to tears, as he typically shows his emotions during post-race celebrations. Even though he tried to stay composed, hearing his son’s pride as he acknowledged
“Daddy, you won. You did the big burnout,”
reminded Briscoe what these moments mean for his growing family.
Looking Forward to Celebrating at Home
Thinking of the eagle-topped Pocono trophy, Briscoe smiled at the idea of bringing it home to Brooks, who loves the outdoors. He offered more on the anticipation of homecoming:
“I’m sure he’ll break it thinking it’s a toy, but yeah, it’s going to be fun to go home. He’s at the age now where he’s almost four, so he kind of is understanding what’s going on, and yeah, I’m excited to get home to them,”
—Chase Briscoe
With each milestone, Briscoe’s children become more aware of the significance of their father’s achievements, making reunions after races increasingly special.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Breakthrough Sets the Stage
While Briscoe reflected on his bittersweet win, Dale Earnhardt Jr. experienced his own memorable milestone at Pocono. In his debut as a crew chief, he oversaw Connor Zilisch’s first oval victory in the Xfinity Series while celebrating alongside his daughters on pit road. The occasion was particularly poignant for Earnhardt Jr., drawing a connection back to his sweeps at Pocono in 2014 with Steve Letarte guiding him on the pit box.
Both Briscoe and Earnhardt Jr., each top figures at Stewart-Haas Racing and JR Motorsports, demonstrated how personal bonds and landmark accomplishments remain intertwined during standout moments on the NASCAR circuit.
The Ongoing Importance of Family and Legacy
As Briscoe looks forward to returning home to his family, and Earnhardt relishes his success as a first-time crew chief, their stories highlight the enduring presence of family in the high-speed, high-pressure world of racing. This recent set of victories not only marks history on the racetrack but also underscores how milestones like the Dale Earnhardt Jr. historic crew chief win inspire reflection, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose for drivers and crew alike.
