Chase Briscoe playoff preparation is in sharp focus as the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs move to New Hampshire Motor Speedway, known as the Magic Mile, for the Round of 12 opener. Briscoe and fellow contender Tyler Reddick are both sharpening their strategies, each looking to carve out an advantage in Sunday’s high-stakes race at Loudon, New Hampshire.
Building on Recent Performances Ahead of the Playoff Push
Earlier in the playoffs at Darlington, Briscoe secured a memorable victory with Reddick finishing close behind in second. Since then, Briscoe has demonstrated consistency, collecting two more top-10 results, including a strong runner-up finish at World Wide Technology Raceway. In contrast, Reddick completed the opening playoff round with finishes of 15th and 16th, making New Hampshire a crucial juncture for both drivers as they eye advancement to the next round.
The stakes are raised at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, especially as this venue hosts its first playoff race since 2017. With both Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing heavily invested in their drivers’ success, and the event broadcast nationally on major networks, the Magic Mile provides an intense backdrop for teams seeking momentum toward the coveted Round of 8.
Tyler Reddick Eyes a Strong Start from the Front Rows
Tyler Reddick, piloting the No. 45 Toyota for 23XI Racing, begins Sunday’s race from the fourth position, fueled by a string of top-10 finishes since joining his current team. Although New Hampshire has not always been a friendly circuit for him, Reddick’s recent adaptations and perseverance have elevated his performance on this challenging track.
“I feel like, if you look at my career, you know, growing up, this was not one of my better tracks,”
Reddick said, reflecting on his evolving relationship with the Magic Mile. He added that, despite some discomfort, improvements in recent years and with the current Next Gen car have brought speed and results. Reddick remains focused on maintaining qualifying momentum and capitalizing on stage points as essential elements for playoff advancement.
“We find a way to finish good. So it was nice to see qualifying go that way. I thought I may have been able to do a little bit more to beat (Josh) Berry, but, yeah, I don’t think I could have beaten Logano today. So fourth is a good disparity. Stage points will be important tomorrow and that’s what we need to do.”
– Tyler Reddick, Driver
Chase Briscoe Embraces Data-Driven Preparation for New Hampshire
Chase Briscoe, driving the No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, faces a more challenging start, rolling off 18th on the grid. Last year’s second-place result at New Hampshire came under unusual circumstances, as rain played a pivotal role in his finish.
“Last year, you know, I had to have it rain. I was going to run 30th if it didn’t rain,”
Briscoe admitted. The driver remains candid about his struggles at the flat, technical one-mile oval, noting persistent difficulties across different NASCAR series. Determined not to let his past results define his approach, Briscoe has prioritized overnight review of performance data and video footage to maximize his readiness.
“So hopefully it’ll rain tomorrow. I don’t, I don’t think that’s quite in the forecast, but I mean, definitely this place, if it rained, I feel really good about it. For whatever reason, this place has always just been a huge struggle for me, whether it’s Trucks or Xfinity or, you know, in my Cup career, too. I mean, the 19 car certainly feels better, but I’m still the weak link, I feel like this weekend. Just got to really try to figure out tonight what I need to do and go look at data and video, and just really try to be as best prepared as I can for tomorrow, to try to be the best we can be.”
– Chase Briscoe, Driver
Briscoe benefits from Joe Gibbs Racing’s extensive New Hampshire background, particularly the notes accumulated by Martin Truex Jr. during his successful tenure in the No. 19 car, including a win and multiple top-10 finishes. Even with such a pedigree, Briscoe recognizes that every race brings unpredictable challenges.
“I mean, everywhere else, I definitely feel like, you know, the tracks that have been good for the 19 have kind of been good regardless for us this year, but this one’s definitely been a struggle,”
Briscoe explained, emphasizing an ongoing commitment to improving his preparation.
“I think today was kind of surprising for all of us. From a speed standpoint, I haven’t talked to any of my teammates yet, but it definitely seemed like we weren’t as strong as what we’ve been, you know, as a company in the past. So that’d be interesting.”
– Chase Briscoe, Driver
The Significance of the Round of 12 Opener at the Magic Mile
The Round of 12 kickoff at New Hampshire offers drivers like Briscoe and Reddick a pivotal chance to set the tone for their playoff runs. With strategic approaches anchored in detailed analysis and a drive to adapt under pressure, each is determined to outperform both rivals and track history. Briscoe’s playoff preparation strategy is underscored by a data-focused mindset and a willingness to confront past weaknesses, while Reddick leans on recent momentum and front-row starting position to build his campaign. As engine ignitions near for Sunday’s 301-lap contest, both drivers and their respective teams will be aiming to turn preparation into progress on the demanding New England circuit, with every stage point and decision likely to shape their journey through the Cup Series postseason.
