During the high-pressure Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway today, Chase Briscoe’s pit road mistake in Stage 2 sparked frustration from his crew chief, James Small, increasing tensions as teams battle for perfection in Indianapolis. The slip threatens Briscoe’s chances at victory, highlighting how critical flawless pit stops are in a race where every second counts.
Pressure Builds on Pit Road at Indianapolis
The Brickyard 400 often leaves no room for error, particularly on the narrow and notorious pit road at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With the track’s tight layout, drivers must thread the needle both on the racing surface and during stops. Single-file racing and strategic maneuvers are commonplace, making pit stop accuracy a must for maintaining top position.
James Small Criticizes Briscoe’s Execution
As Stage 2 unfolded, Chase Briscoe—this year’s pole-sitter and local favorite from Indiana—missed his mark during a pit stop, drawing immediate ire from his crew chief, James Small. The importance of each pit stop cannot be overstated, especially for a driver hunting for a coveted win at his home track. Every mistake can mean lost time and a slide down the order, jeopardizing any dreams of ‘kissing the bricks’ at the finish line.
“Way too f*cking far away from the wall, Chase,”
—James Small, Crew Chief (via John Newby)
Implications for Chase Briscoe in the Brickyard 400
Even a single miscue on pit road can derail a strong run at Indianapolis, a lesson Briscoe learned firsthand as Small’s harsh words echoed over team radios. The intensity of the exchange captured the emotional and competitive highs and lows present throughout the Brickyard 400. As the race continues, it remains to be seen how Briscoe and his team will recover from the lost time and whether this incident will haunt their strategy going forward.
The Brickyard 400 is still unfolding, but the strain between Chase Briscoe and James Small—and the unforgiving nature of Indianapolis—has already shaped the race narrative. As for Briscoe’s hopes to take the win on home turf, his ability to regroup after the pit road error will be critical in the closing stages.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why was Chase Briscoe suspended?
A. Chase Briscoe faced a penalty for changing his car’s spoiler base illegally. NASCAR took away 100 points and 10 playoff points from him. They also fined Joe Gibbs Racing $100,000. Briscoe’s crew chief, James Small, received a suspension for four races. Joe Gibbs Racing plans to challenge the penalty with an appeal.
