Chase Briscoe recently discussed both a near miss and a notable accomplishment at the Darlington track, highlighting the unique challenges drivers face in NASCAR’s premier events. In a remarkable display during the Southern 500, Briscoe came close to capturing an elusive NASCAR landmark but ultimately celebrated an extraordinary victory that adds to his growing record of achievements.
Chase Briscoe’s Pursuit of a Rare NASCAR Benchmark
Entering the Southern 500 at Darlington, Briscoe was on the verge of achieving a rare milestone in the NASCAR Cup Series. He had an opportunity to secure pole positions at all the crown jewel races in the season—a feat that has long eluded drivers due to the sheer difficulty of consistently delivering top qualifying performances across these prestigious events. However, it was teammate Denny Hamlin who clinched the pole for this high-profile race, denying Briscoe a clean sweep of the coveted qualifying spots.
Despite missing the pole, Briscoe’s performance during the race was formidable. The previous year’s Southern 500 winner again dominated the field, becoming the latest driver to claim back-to-back victories at Darlington, a distinction not seen in recent years. Briscoe led the race for over 300 laps, further demonstrating his skill on one of NASCAR’s most challenging circuits.
Following the race, Briscoe was asked about the significance of his accomplishment and how he felt about missing the pole sweep milestone. He reflected on the rarity and difficulty of achieving such feats in the sport’s long history, expressing a mix of pride and lingering frustration.
“It’s cool for sure. I’d be lying if I said I’m still not mad about yesterday just cuz I gave it away. And that was such a cool stat. Like to be able to say that you had won all four crown jewels. And I was telling my wife like the odds of that ever happening are so slim just because, first off, just get the Daytona 500 poll is so hard to do. And then to obviously do it at all of them. I just know that in my career I will probably never have that opportunity again and obviously it’s never been done in the 75 history, right? Like that’s just such a hard thing to do,” he described. —Chase Briscoe, Driver
Briscoe acknowledged that any time a competitor manages to accomplish something not seen in years, it provides a distinctive sense of achievement—especially in a sport defined by its few recurring opportunities for historic milestones.
The Drive to Excel in High-Pressure Environments
During a session with the press after his Darlington win, Briscoe was asked about his approach to performing under pressure—something he has become associated with given his notable race-day breakthroughs. The discussion turned to his tendency to rise to the occasion when playoffs approach or career trajectories hang in the balance. Last season, he had clinched his playoff spot by winning the final race of the regular season, a testament to his resolve when it matters most.
“I don’t know. I’ve always just loved high pressure situations. I feel like I just performed better for whatever reason. And i feel like my whole career has been always a high pressure situation. Like there was no backup plan. You might only get one race. You had to go perform and show your worth. So I’ve always felt like every week I feel like I’m still auditioning to prove that I belong here,” he claimed via the same interaction. —Chase Briscoe, Driver
Briscoe described how he heightens his focus as races gain importance, often finding it challenging to maintain the same level of intensity during less crucial periods in the season. He noted that traits like these can be valuable in NASCAR, particularly as playoff formats demand peak performance during high-stakes events. The result at Darlington not only highlights his ability to deliver but also establishes a narrative of resilience and competitive fire within the ever-demanding world of NASCAR.
Implications for NASCAR and the Road Ahead
The outcome of the Southern 500 has reinforced Chase Briscoe’s reputation as a driver who thrives amidst pressure, with his Darlington wins adding to the lore of NASCAR history. As the playoffs approach, Briscoe’s proven capability to deliver in critical moments could further shape the championship battle and inspire both fans and other competitors. While the chance to claim all crown jewel pole positions may have slipped away this season, Briscoe’s determination and achievement at Darlington signal his ongoing influence on the sport’s biggest stages and set the stage for compelling competition in the weeks to come.
