Chase Briscoe’s NASCAR Playoff Performance has become a defining story of the 2025 postseason, turning heads across the motorsports landscape. With back-to-back standout races, Briscoe earned public acclaim from Kenny Wallace and other NASCAR legends, building anticipation about how far his run for Joe Gibbs Racing might go.
Briscoe Seizes the Spotlight in Early Playoff Rounds
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs opened with a surge from Chase Briscoe, making him a focal point among expanding storylines. At Darlington Raceway’s Southern 500, Briscoe, piloting the No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, commanded the race by leading 309 of 367 laps, securing his second consecutive Crown Jewel event victory. This win not only punched his ticket into the Round of 12, but affirmed the successful collaboration with crew chief James Small, showcasing the capability that Joe Gibbs hoped to unlock when signing the driver.
Following the Darlington triumph, Briscoe brought intense focus into the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway. Though Denny Hamlin ultimately captured victory, Briscoe qualified third and finished as runner-up, backing up his prior performance and solidifying his reputation as a contender capable of thriving under postseason pressure. This consistency, coupled with high-profile podiums, quieted questions that had shadowed Briscoe’s previous postseason attempts and captured the attention of the sport’s most respected voices.
Kenny Wallace Declares Briscoe the Playoff Standout
As Briscoe continued his impressive run through the opening playoff rounds, veteran driver and analyst Kenny Wallace took notice. On the “Herm and Schrader” podcast, which he co-hosts with Kenny Schrader, Wallace shared his assessment of Briscoe’s impact after discussing the No. 19 car’s progress post-Gateway. When Schrader asked about Briscoe’s situation, Wallace turned to his notes and emphasized that although Hamlin finished first, Briscoe’s effort stood out far more in his eyes. He went so far as to openly declare,
“Chase Briscoe is, my god, wow,”
—Kenny Wallace, driver-turned-analyst. Such a direct and energetic proclamation underscored more than casual approval; it reflected a genuine belief that Briscoe had elevated his performance to an elite level amid playoff stakes.
Wallace has long maintained a reputation for forthrightness in NASCAR media circles. For him to so urgently spotlight Briscoe indicated that the driver’s efforts were shifting more than just points. His remarks suggested a shift in perception among long-time motorsports figures, reflecting the sense that Briscoe’s results were not fleeting upswings, but signs of lasting progress.
This sentiment matched what Wallace put forward on his social channels, noting,
“Coach Joe Gibbs knows how to pick drivers at @JoeGibbsRacing.”
—Kenny Wallace, driver-turned-analyst. Such consistent signals from a respected figure suggest growing consensus that Briscoe’s pairing with Joe Gibbs Racing has quickly validated itself and could reframe expectations for both the driver and the team.
Briscoe Rewards JGR’s Trust with Consistency
The success story at Darlington brought particular satisfaction to Joe Gibbs Racing, which has invested heavily in blending established stars with new talent. Briscoe’s decisive victory, coupled with his poised runner-up showing at Gateway, endorsed their faith and painted a picture of resilience in high-pressure moments. This reliable form has inspired comparisons to the sport’s established names, with Wallace and others suggesting that Briscoe’s ceiling might now be higher than previously imagined.
Just one season ago, Briscoe saw his playoff campaign sputter out quickly, triggering debates over his ability to challenge deep into postseason runs. This year, that narrative has been replaced with confidence, fueled by star-making performances and endorsement from respected observers. The repeated top finishes are no longer dismissed as isolated success, but rather evidence of a pattern that could define this year’s playoffs.
NASCAR Legends Take Notice of Briscoe and Hamlin Duo
The surging performance of Briscoe has come in tandem with strong showings from teammate Denny Hamlin, pushing Joe Gibbs Racing to the front of the playoff discussion. Both drivers’ ability to execute under pressure has now drawn the attention of another notable figure — seven-time champion Richard Petty. Petty noted that both Briscoe and Hamlin had
“made the most of their chances”
—Richard Petty, The King, and that they both
“showed up to play the playoffs, and … showed up to win a championship.”
—Richard Petty, The King. His praise centered on not only their finishing positions, but also their capacity to recover from adversity and maximize every opportunity that emerged during the opening playoff rounds.
Hamlin’s journey through the first races included overcoming mechanical issues at Darlington to salvage a top-ten result. He then capitalized on his momentum at Gateway, taking pole position and ending the weekend atop the podium. This set a tone for Joe Gibbs Racing as a whole, signaling that both veteran and rising talent could be counted on for deep playoff runs. Briscoe, playing his own part, turned a solid Gateway race into a crucial second-place finish, maintaining strong championship prospects while adapting to shifting race circumstances.
Petty’s commentary pointed to a crucial element in postseason racing — mental toughness and strategic adaptability. He observed that, while several teams encountered opportunities or benefited from cautions and rivals’ mistakes, Briscoe and Hamlin stood apart by capitalizing on those moments with composed decision-making. This ability to execute has become a rallying point for the JGR organization and a key separator as the playoff field narrows.
Impact of Briscoe’s Rise on NASCAR’s Competitive Landscape
With his dominant displays, Chase Briscoe has quickly become one of the most talked-about competitors in this postseason, shifting focus from familiar names to the growing influence of newer faces. The combined pressure applied by Briscoe and Hamlin is prompting teams throughout the garage to reconsider their strategies and preparation. Briscoe’s Darlington victory already made clear he possesses undeniable speed, but his measured approach and durability during adverse moments have set him apart as a real postseason threat.
The recognition from iconic voices like Kenny Wallace and Richard Petty further amplifies Briscoe’s profile, encouraging both fans and teams to recalibrate expectations. On-track success—backed by respected commentary—can signal new eras in motorsports, and Briscoe’s 2025 playoff surge suggests a possible changing of the guard at Joe Gibbs Racing and in the wider Cup Series field.
In the coming rounds, eyes will remain trained on whether Briscoe sustains this form and challenges for his first Cup championship or if the weight of postseason races alters the unfolding narrative. Either way, his Playoff performance is now the benchmark by which many will measure the rest of this NASCAR postseason, underscoring why legends of the sport are watching with keen interest.
