Chase Briscoe and Noah Gragson brought a playful twist to the Chase Briscoe NASCAR in-season tournament rivalry after Briscoe’s early exit at Atlanta Motor Speedway, catching the attention of motorsports fans everywhere. Their friendly exchange, amplified on social media, offered a glimpse of camaraderie and competition as NASCAR’s new tournament format continued to spark fresh energy in the sport.
NASCAR Introduces In-Season Tournament to Boost Excitement
NASCAR launched its first-ever in-season tournament this year, hoping to increase fan engagement, viewership, and on-track competitiveness. Inspired by popular tournaments in other sports such as the NBA, NASCAR rolled out the innovative event starting with a 260-lap race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The goal was to bring new stakes and drama to the midst of the regular season for both fans and drivers.
Playful Moments Between Competitors Go Viral
Noah Gragson, representing Front Row Motorsports, outperformed Joe Gibbs Racing’s Chase Briscoe in the opening round of the tournament. In the aftermath, the two drivers added levity to the rivalry by exchanging jokes and signing gloves for a charitable cause, which was later highlighted on NASCAR’s official social media accounts as footage gained popularity among fans. The Stock Car Racing Association noted the exchange helped showcase the lighter, more personable side of the drivers.
The gloves, jointly signed by Briscoe and Gragson, were to be auctioned for the Dale and Amy Earnhardt Foundation. Adding a humorous spin, Briscoe joked that his gloves had never fetched more than $400, but Gragson’s on-track challenge sent the price soaring to $2,800, demonstrating the power of their friendly rivalry for a good cause.
Season Standings and Playoff Implications for Briscoe and Gragson
Despite his early exit from the tournament, Chase Briscoe has already secured his spot in the playoffs this year, thanks to a pivotal win at Pocono Raceway. In contrast, Noah Gragson continues to chase his first win of the season to clinch a playoff berth, underlining the competitive backdrop to their lighthearted interactions.
Briscoe’s performance in the Cup Series has kept him in strong contention, currently ninth overall with 482 points, including one win, eight top-ten finishes, six top-five results, and four pole positions across 19 starts. Gragson, on the other hand, sits 33rd in points with 265, but has achieved three top-ten finishes and one notable top-five placement at Talladega Superspeedway in the same number of Cup starts.
Noah Gragson Shares Enthusiasm Over Reunion With Crew Chief
Looking ahead, Noah Gragson is set for a reunion with his former crew chief Drew Blickensderfer for the next season at Front Row Motorsports. Gragson spent last year with Stewart-Haas Racing and Blickensderfer before the organization shut its doors. With FRM’s long-standing partnership with Ford, Gragson anticipates a smooth transition, having driven a Ford in his previous role. His move is expected to strengthen team chemistry and performance in the coming season.
“There’s a lot of comfort being with the same crew chief and same manufacturer, but there’s some newness to it too, moving over to Front Row Motorsports here for the season. It’s gonna be a fun time. I’m excited for it. We still have our standards, and we’ve upped our standards from where we were last year.” —Noah Gragson, Driver
What This Rivalry Means for NASCAR’s Future
The good-natured banter between Chase Briscoe and Noah Gragson highlights how NASCAR’s new in-season tournament can foster new storylines, encourage fan interaction, and boost the profile of charitable causes. As both drivers look to achieve their respective goals—Briscoe in the playoffs and Gragson aiming for victory and a postseason slot—the playful rivalry underscores the blend of high-stakes racing and genuine camaraderie that makes stock car racing compelling for both veteran followers and new fans alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where will Chase Briscoe be in 2025?
A. Briscoe joined JGR this season after spending four years with Stewart-Haas Racing. Stewart-Haas closed after 2024. As a new JGR driver, Briscoe feels he constantly needs to win.
Q. Where is Chase Briscoe going in 2025?
A. Starting in 2025, Chase Briscoe will be part of Joe Gibbs Racing’s team, which has won championships. He will drive the No. 19 Toyota Camry XSE, replacing Martin Truex, Jr., who is retiring.
