Chase Briscoe retires from sprint car racing, announcing his decision as he prepares for the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs with Joe Gibbs Racing. The move comes after weighing the risks of dirt track competition and prioritizing his future and family following a recent sprint car season and the arrival of his twins.
A Racing Journey Shaped by Dirt Tracks and Family
Growing up immersed in dirt track racing, Chase Briscoe steadily advanced through the motorsports ranks all the way to becoming the current driver of the No. 19 car at Joe Gibbs Racing. This year, he clinched a victory at Pocono Raceway and now looks forward to competing at Darlington Raceway as the NASCAR playoffs commence.
Entering 2024, Briscoe not only began another competitive season but also invested in a sprint car team and took to the dirt tracks for what would become his final year in that discipline. In October, he and his wife Marissa Briscoe welcomed twins, a personal milestone that contributed to his decision to step away from sprint car racing for good.
Briscoe reflected on his deep connection to the dirt racing community, acknowledging the inherent dangers that come with the sport—dangers not lost within the broader NASCAR landscape. The recent sprint car crash involving Alex Bowman, which resulted in Bowman fracturing a vertebra, has further underscored those risks for many in the racing world.
Realizations and the Choice to Retire
Following his announcement, Briscoe spoke candidly about the thoughts and fears that shaped his choice. On the Dale Jr Download, he recalled his early start and lifelong passion:
“The sprint car thing, that’s all I’ve done,”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
Briscoe began his sprint car journey at age 13 and continued racing until last year. He described an increasing sense of caution and anxiety during races:
“I started racing sprint cars when I was 13. And up until last year, still did it.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
“Last year, I just kinda had this, I don’t know. I ran probably 20 sprint car races and every time I was out there, I was truthfully driving kinda scared.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
As the risks became more personal, Briscoe cited concerns over injuries affecting those close to him:
“I didn’t wanna get hurt. A lot of my buddies have been getting hurt and paralyzed.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
He remembered weighing his priorities as his family grew and recounted his final sprint car outing at Bloomington Speedway, his home track, during the Brickyard weekend:
“I’m like, ‘What am I out here really doing?’ Like, we had twins coming obviously in October and I went and ran during Brickyard weekend, I ran at Bloomington Speedway. Which is my home track.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
Despite having a car capable of winning, emotionally he felt his decision crystallize during that race:
“It’s where I grew up racing every Friday night. I had a race winning car and I ran like 5th or 6th. I just decided right there, I’m done. I’m not doing it anymore.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
Continuing His Passion Away from the Driver’s Seat
Though Briscoe no longer races sprint cars, his interest in the sport remains strong. He has expressed a desire to maintain involvement, particularly as a team owner, although he notes that his efforts are hampered by sponsorship limitations:
“I mean, I’m very heavily invested, like I love watching it. I wanna have a team so badly.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
For Briscoe, the risks now outweigh the rewards of being behind the wheel, especially when considering the experiences of colleagues and friends within racing. He referenced the case of DJ VanderLey, a former engineer on Briscoe’s Xfinity car, whose career was ended by a paralyzing sprint car crash:
“As far as driving, I have no desire. Why risk getting hurt.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
“DJ VanderLey, that got paralyzed. He was my engineer on the Xfinity car. I literally sat in front of him on the plane going there that weekend. He was telling me how him and his wife were pregnant and like that really kinda woke me up to what can happen.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
Despite his intentions for ownership, he firmly declared:
“I would love to own a team. But, as far as driving, I’m retired.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
Joe Gibbs Racing, Policy Changes, and Briscoe’s Commitment
Briscoe’s current focus is squarely on the NASCAR Cup Series, where he drives for Joe Gibbs Racing. Notably, the organization had previously restricted its drivers from participating in dirt races, a ban that has only recently been removed. Nevertheless, the lifted restriction holds little impact for Briscoe, who remains resolute in his choice to step away from the dangers of sprint car racing.
Legacy and the Road Ahead
Chase Briscoe’s retirement from sprint car racing reflects a deliberate balancing of professional ambitions and personal responsibilities. As he channels his efforts into building success in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, his decision highlights the evolving nature of risk and commitment in motorsports. With his legacy on dirt tracks and ongoing involvement in racing culture, Briscoe’s next chapter promises to unfold at high speed—albeit with a renewed focus on what matters most.
