Chase Briscoe’s commanding victory at the Southern 500 in Darlington Raceway on Sunday has intensified discussions about his potential as a Chase Briscoe NASCAR championship contender in the upcoming 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Briscoe’s performance comes at a crucial time, drawing praise from notable figures in the racing world and positioning him as a key figure heading into the next playoff rounds.
Dominant Performance in the Southern 500 Solidifies Briscoe’s Status
Chase Briscoe exceeded expectations at Darlington, leading an impressive 309 of 367 laps, a dominant run that made him the first driver since Greg Biffle (2005 and 2006) to win consecutive Southern 500s. With this victory, Briscoe now has a clearer path and increased confidence as he prepares for the Round of 12 opener at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
TJ Majors, a respected spotter for Brad Keselowski, shared an optimistic outlook for Briscoe’s title hopes, stating on the Door Bumper Clear podcast,
“Chase has had a lot of speed this year. I do wonder if the consistency can stay there all throughout the playoffs,”
—TJ Majors, Spotter for Brad Keselowski.
Majors continued to assess Briscoe’s season and maturity, noting how the driver has adapted to heightened expectations and delivered strong results.
“So, I think Chase has a good shot at it. He just needs to when the race comes around, when he’s going to be an eighth-place car, he needs to try to run eighth and take his fifth, sixth or seventh and not try to force something and get himself in trouble. If he can do that and manage some situations, Chase can make a deep run in these playoffs. That car is a really good car.”
—TJ Majors, Spotter for Brad Keselowski.
Consistent High Performance Sets Briscoe Apart
Beyond his latest win, Briscoe has been one of the most reliable drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series over recent months. Since replacing Martin Truex Jr. in the No. 19 car, Briscoe has racked up significant results, including a victory at Pocono Raceway and runner-up finishes at Sonoma Raceway, Dover Motor Speedway, and Iowa Speedway. His ability to secure top spots at a range of challenging tracks demonstrates the steady progress of both driver and team.
Sunday’s victory at Darlington, considered one of the most difficult circuits on the schedule, highlights Briscoe’s adaptability and skills. It also underscores the challenge he faced stepping into the car after Truex, who was a consistent championship contender for the 19 team. Freddie Kraft, spotter for Bubba Wallace, acknowledged the significance of Briscoe’s achievements this year.
“This kind of validates putting him in this car,”
—Freddie Kraft, Spotter for Bubba Wallace.
Comparisons to Martin Truex Jr. Highlight Briscoe’s Breakout Season
Briscoe’s 2025 campaign not only matches but in some metrics surpasses those of Martin Truex Jr. during his tenure with the 19 team. Freddie Kraft observed,
“You go back and look at Martin’s past couple years, he had 14 top 5s combined in the last two years. He had five last year, no wins, no poles. So, he’s jumped in this thing and is actually outperforming Martin, who was a championship contender year in and year out. Obviously, they hit the nail on the head with Chase, and I think he was in a lot of final fours and he’s showing rightfully so.”
—Freddie Kraft, Spotter for Bubba Wallace.
The comparison is notable since Truex Jr. helped set a high standard for the 19 team. Briscoe’s statistics this year include six pole positions, two wins, and eleven top-five finishes, showcasing not only his ability to qualify well but also to perform consistently during races. This uptick in performance indicates the team’s successful adaptation to their new driver and a renewed sense of possibility as the playoffs progress.
What This Means for the Playoffs and Briscoe’s Future
As the New Hampshire Motor Speedway Round of 12 approaches, optimism around Briscoe’s championship possibilities continues to build. His blend of speed, composure, and ability to deliver under pressure has caught the attention of racing insiders and fans alike. The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs are set to feature Chase Briscoe not just as a participant, but as a legitimate championship contender, raising anticipation for how he and his team will continue to perform as competition tightens.
Briscoe’s evolution and string of strong results have validated the faith placed in him, signaling a potential shift in the competitive landscape of NASCAR. With support from key figures like TJ Majors and Freddie Kraft, and comparisons to respected veteran Martin Truex Jr., Briscoe’s progress is likely to remain one of the top stories as the Cup Series moves through its playoff stages.
