The Chase Briscoe NASCAR in-season prediction took on new significance after a dramatic first round at EchoPark Speedway, where unexpected eliminations created a rare opportunity for underdog drivers to aim for the lucrative million-dollar prize. With most top names knocked out, Briscoe shared his thoughts on the tournament’s outlook, identifying Ty Gibbs as his top pick to win it all.
NASCAR’s fresh in-season challenge format has created a tumultuous start to the 2025 Cup Series, bringing greater unpredictability and excitement. The inaugural round in Atlanta saw a massive accident early in stage 2, after John Hunter Nemechek was bumped by Denny Hamlin—an incident that triggered a 23-car pileup. The crash removed a large cluster of favorites, including Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, William Byron, Ross Chastain, and Christopher Bell from the competition, making the tournament bracket wide open for the races ahead.
How the New NASCAR In-Season Tournament Has Changed the Game
This season marks the debut of an innovative head-to-head tournament format in the Cup Series, featuring 32 drivers paired against each other in direct matchups. Progression through the challenge depends on drivers finishing ahead of their assigned rival in each race, with the loser eliminated from contention. The format continues over five races, culminating with the last driver standing who will claim a $1 million payout.
The initial chaos at EchoPark Speedway resulted in only a select few top-seeded drivers advancing. Those still in the hunt include Chris Buescher, Chase Elliott, Ty Gibbs, Alex Bowman, and Bubba Wallace. Although their continued presence maintains some star power in the challenge, the shock exits of dominant competitors have set the stage for a possible Cinderella story, with lesser-known drivers now given a shot they may not have otherwise had.
With so many established names now out of contention, the spotlight turns to the drivers who remain, particularly as the path to victory carries its own unique challenges.
Briscoe’s Insights on Upcoming Races and His Favorite for Victory
The schedule ahead promises several twists, as the tournament’s next four races present vastly different tests. The field takes on the Chicago Street Course, followed by the technical Sonoma Raceway, before moving to speed-centric Dover and then the iconic Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis. The initial back-to-back road courses are likely to prove especially unpredictable for the contenders.
On an episode of the Rubbin is Racin podcast, Chase Briscoe delivered his perspective on who could claim the $1 million prize. He explained why Ty Gibbs, in particular, stands out given the strengths of his team and the types of tracks left on the schedule:
“I’m trying to think who’s even left. I know you got Ty Dillon, Ty Gibbs, Noah’s obviously in there. I think Priest is in there. I mean, Ty Gibbs honestly is going to be good because we have two road courses in a row. Dover, the Gibbs cars are going to be really fast. And then Indianapolis, our cars should be really fast, too. So, I know I sound like a homer saying that Ty could win it all, but I really do think that.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Gibbs, carrying momentum after a strong performance in Mexico City—where he led 27 laps and finished 11th—will need to continue delivering as the competition intensifies. His immediate obstacle is AJ Allmendinger, known throughout the series as one of the best on road courses, a reputation established prior to Shane van Gisbergen’s involvement in NASCAR. With such a skilled rival ahead, Ty Gibbs will need both speed and consistency to move forward in the tournament.
While Gibbs remains Briscoe’s leading pick, names like Ty Dillon and “Priest” (referring to Ryan Preece) are also still fighting, keeping the field unpredictable and entertaining. Meanwhile, the Joe Gibbs Racing stable—recognized for their success at key venues—offers a historic advantage for Gibbs as the competition enters its final stages.
Wider Implications and What to Watch For Next
This season’s in-season challenge has already redefined expectations within the Cup Series, combining the drama of sudden eliminations with the potential for surprise outcomes. Established stars such as William Byron and Joey Logano have departed the bracket, making every upcoming race even more consequential for the drivers who remain and for fans following the action.
With the Chicago Street Course and Sonoma Raceway next, the spotlight will be on those who can adapt quickly to different track styles. Each round will reveal whether Ty Gibbs can justify Briscoe’s confidence and withstand fierce challenges from experienced road-course talents like AJ Allmendinger and newcomers hoping to seize their chance at history.
As the highly anticipated head-to-head showdowns continue, the path toward the million-dollar prize feels more open than ever—promising unpredictability, intensity, and potentially a crowning achievement for an underdog who rises to the occasion.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where will Chase Briscoe be in 2025?
A. Joe Gibbs Racing shared on Friday that Bass Pro Shops will support Briscoe and the No. 19 team throughout the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. Briscoe will take over from Martin Truex Jr.
Q. Where will Chase Briscoe go in 2025?
A. Chase Briscoe achieved his first NASCAR Cup Series victory of 2025 by efficiently using his fuel at Pocono Raceway. On Sunday, racing for Joe Gibbs Racing, Briscoe won The Great American Getaway 400, securing a notable victory in the NASCAR Cup Series.
