Chase Briscoe found himself in the middle of a heated debate after the dramatic overtime finish at Dover Speedway, where his remarks about a teammate’s role in the race outcome stirred controversy. The Chase Briscoe teammate controversy Dover erupted following a tense showdown with Denny Hamlin, as fans, media, and drivers weighed in on the delicate balance between team loyalty and the drive to win.
Briscoe’s Late-Race Strategy Draws Questions at Dover
As the final laps unfolded during overtime at Dover, Briscoe sat poised to claim his second 2025 victory, equipped with fresh tires and just one competitor ahead. When the green flag flew, Briscoe held back, opting for a measured approach rather than an aggressive challenge. This restraint enabled Denny Hamlin to secure the win while Briscoe crossed the line in second place, leaving many to wonder whether the outcome could have been different.
The decision not to challenge Hamlin more forcefully was especially scrutinized when Briscoe later commented that the presence of a teammate affected his choices on track. His revelation quickly ignited a debate throughout the NASCAR community, prompting criticism from fans and prominent figures over whether racing etiquette should trump the opportunity for victory.
Community and Media React to Team Tactics Over Victory
Briscoe’s remarks that a teammate in front changed how he raced were met with swift criticism from both media and fans. Critics highlighted that with a win within reach, pure competition should outweigh internal team considerations.. Notable journalists, including The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi and Jeff Gluck, joined the chorus questioning whether Briscoe’s priorities matched the spirit of racing at Dover Speedway.
Final restart from Chase Briscoe’s onboard.
Pay attention in Turn 4 coming to the white flag: You can hear where Briscoe had to lift out of the throttle and some of the contact he made with Denny Hamlin to his outside. pic.twitter.com/yfNQvQrYvN
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) July 21, 2025
Even as scrutiny intensified, many pointed out Briscoe’s established reputation for clean, fair competition in NASCAR—an image further endorsed by drivers such as Shane van Gisbergen who have lauded his driving ethics. The moment captured on the final restart, where Briscoe lifted out of the throttle to avoid contact with Hamlin, became a flashpoint in arguments over whether team loyalty had influenced the result.
Briscoe Addresses the Fallout and Explains His Actions
With debate mounting, Briscoe soon appeared on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio to address the growing teammate controversy. He moved to clarify his earlier remarks, stating that his words had been misunderstood or misrepresented in the aftermath of the race.
I definitely got taken out of context a little bit after the post-race. I mean, I just could have done some things that, even if he wasn’t a teammate, I wouldn’t have probably wrecked him. It just would’ve been dirty. And even doing it, I still could have wrecked myself in the process.
— Chase Briscoe, Driver
Briscoe elaborated on his thought process, explaining he considered running Hamlin up the track towards the wall—a maneuver he ultimately dismissed. He noted that the risks were too high, particularly with a teammate involved, acknowledging that such a move could have resulted in not only losing the win but significantly damaging both cars in the process.
Hamlin Reflects on the Intense Finish and Track Tactics
Denny Hamlin then addressed the incident on his own podcast, providing his perspective on how the final lap played out between him and Briscoe. Hamlin suggested that Briscoe could have attempted a different line on corner exit instead of holding a tight position, which may have produced a different result. However, Hamlin also admitted that a more aggressive tactic would have forced him closer to the wall, adding risk to both competitors.
Briscoe’s relative newness at Joe Gibbs Racing compared to more veteran drivers played a subtle role in his decision-making. While Briscoe sought his first win for the team, he was unwilling to jeopardize both drivers’ races in pursuit of a single victory. This tension between ambition and responsibility fueled further emotional discussion in the NASCAR world.
Significance of the Dover Duel and What Lies Ahead
The controversy following the dramatic conclusion at Dover raises important questions about the balance between team ethics and the spirit of competition in NASCAR. With high-profile figures such as Briscoe, Hamlin, and respected media voices like Jordan Bianchi and Jeff Gluck at the center of the debate, the incident serves as a flashpoint for ongoing discussions about where drivers should draw the line when titles and relationships are at stake. As future races approach, how Briscoe and Joe Gibbs Racing navigate these pressures could shape their reputation and strategy well beyond this single overtime restart.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why was Chase Briscoe suspended?
A. Chase Briscoe received a penalty because of an unauthorized change to a spoiler base. NASCAR took away 100 points and 10 playoff points from Briscoe. They also fined Joe Gibbs Racing $100,000. James Small, Briscoe’s crew chief, was suspended for four races. Joe Gibbs Racing intends to challenge the penalty.
