During the tense atmosphere of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, Chase Briscoe sparked conversation by drawing unexpected links between two of NASCAR’s fiercest competitors, using his unique vantage as a former protégé and current teammate. The observation of Kevin Harvick compared to Denny Hamlin, both legendary for their passion and drive, has brought new attention to how leadership and rivalry shape the sport from within.
Briscoe’s Playoff Position Offers Unique Insights
Sitting securely at No. 8 in the current NASCAR Cup standings, Chase Briscoe’s position with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) provides an insider’s look at a dynamic era for the team. JGR’s impressive 2025 campaign features commanding performances from his teammates Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell—Hamlin holding third place and Bell fifth—together wracking up eight wins already this season. This success speaks to JGR’s strength but also sets the stage for high expectations and ongoing internal competition. Briscoe’s transition from Stewart-Haas Racing, where he learned from Kevin Harvick, to JGR has allowed him to see first-hand how these top drivers’ mindsets influence those around them.
Parallels Between Harvick and Hamlin: A Driver’s Perspective
Appearing on a recent Dale Jr. Download podcast episode, Chase Briscoe connected the dots between Kevin Harvick, his former Stewart-Haas Racing mentor, and Denny Hamlin, his new JGR teammate. He didn’t shy away from drawing similarities, despite the tense history these two drivers share.
“Denny reminds me so much of Harvick. It’s crazy. Like, just his approach to things, how hard he works.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
Historically, Hamlin and Harvick have been intense adversaries, with their rivalry including memorable run-ins such as the 2010 Dover incident, where Harvick intentionally tapped Hamlin’s car during practice, and the dramatic 2014 Bristol exchange. Briscoe’s perspective is rooted in lived experience—matching Harvick’s relentless preparation and focus with Hamlin’s similar tenacity, even as Hamlin juggles his role as driver and co-owner of 23XI Racing.
On the podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. weighed in with a note of irony, recounting their incompatibility:
“kind of were like oil and water”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Analyst and Podcaster. Briscoe continued,
“I feel like this is their demeanor, and how they like to approach things is so similar.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver.
This comparison has real merit. Harvick’s methodical control was showcased in his 2018 Phoenix win, his 40th in the Cup Series, while Hamlin mirrored that calculated intensity during his strategic 2022 Coca-Cola 600 victory. For Briscoe, witnessing both champions’ single-minded dedication has provided a clear model for achieving success, whether as a teammate or competitor.
The dialogue deepened when Briscoe acknowledged not just the similarities but the unique challenges Hamlin faces outside racing:
“I would say that Denny has way more stuff going on outside of the racetrack than Kevin has, and he still manages to put the time in and the effort in, week in and week out, and that is why he’s as successful as he is.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver.
This pointed reflection highlights the contemporary pressures top drivers face. Hamlin, managing both his responsibilities behind the wheel and business interests, continues to set a tireless example for teammates like Briscoe, whose respect for these qualities continues to deepen as he adapts to JGR’s style. Briscoe’s ability to see these parallels comes through moments of intense competition and introspection, including his willingness to take responsibility after incidents, such as the time at Iowa Speedway where he admitted,
“That was a really boneheaded move on my part, and I got in there and got loose and ruined their day,”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver, referring to a mishap with Toyota teammates earlier in 2025.
Headline-Making NASCAR Moments and Ongoing Storylines
The 2025 season is brimming with stories that capture the emotions and stakes of the sport. Recent events range from legal turmoil and public relations surprises to respected veterans weighing in on tradition and change. Noteworthy among these:
1. NASCAR has found itself under legal scrutiny, compelled to revisit controversial decisions as fan reaction grows ever more vocal.
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr., a familiar presence in NASCAR media, has publicly called for the sport’s reinstatement of its most unpredictable and debated rule.
3. A heated lawsuit has forced the public release of text exchanges between Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, adding another layer of drama in the Cup Series’ competitive tapestry.
4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. also pulled back the curtain on a stunning moment in business negotiations involving his sister and legendary car owner Rick Hendrick, putting a spotlight on personal connections that reverberate through the NASCAR world.
5. Rick Hendrick, one of the sport’s most successful team owners, issued a blunt verdict on the current playoff structure, keeping debate alive among fans and analysts about the future direction of the championship format.
Briscoe’s Decision to Leave Sprint Car Racing
Chase Briscoe has made another significant career move, choosing to step back from sprint car racing indefinitely. This decision came on the heels of a tragedy within the NASCAR community: the loss of Zachary Yager, a pit crew member and Daytona 500 winner, at age 35. The emotional impact was clear when Briscoe explained,
“I’m retired, at least for the time being. Probably for good, truthfully,”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver, as shared on the Always Race Day podcast.
The rigorous demands of the Cup schedule, combined with Briscoe’s commitment to his young family, weighed heavily on the decision. He reflected on life changes following the arrival of twins:
“We had twins last year. So having three kids now, it just makes it harder to tell my wife, ‘Hey, I’m going to leave a couple days early (before a NASCAR race) and go run some sprint car races,’”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver, in an interview with The Express.
Briscoe also pointed to personal history as influencing his caution—a 2020 sprint car crash that resulted in a broken leg shifted his outlook on the risks of additional racing commitments. These challenges, paired with his responsibilities to his children, have pushed him to invest fully in his NASCAR commitments with JGR’s No. 19 Toyota. The end of his sprint career, following promising outings in 2024, signals a period of growth and stability for Briscoe, all while the Cup Series playoffs—and the pressure for results—intensify.
The Broader Impact and What Lies Ahead
Chase Briscoe’s candid reflections on Kevin Harvick compared to Denny Hamlin illustrate the complex relationships and leadership dynamics that fuel modern NASCAR. The ability of these elite drivers to inspire teammates, set standards for preparation, and maintain competitiveness—even amid personal and professional change—continues to influence those who race alongside them. Briscoe’s own journey, shaped by humility and evolving priorities, is emblematic of a broader shift in the sport toward both professionalism and personal responsibility.
As NASCAR’s 2025 season surges forward, the conversation around legacy, leadership, and risk will persevere, fueled by voices like Briscoe’s. With the playoffs heating up, drivers, teams, and fans will watch closely to see how these influences shape results, reputations, and the ongoing evolution of one of America’s most passionate motorsports. The insightful comparisons and thoughtful decisions made by drivers like Briscoe ensure that discussion—and emotion—remain at the heart of the Cup Series, both on and off the track.
