Chase Briscoe captured his first career superspeedway win during Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series playoff showdown at Talladega Superspeedway, cementing his position in the Championship 4. By making a decisive final-lap move to overtake Bubba Wallace, Briscoe ensured his own title hopes remain alive, with the Chase Briscoe Talladega victory now marking one of the season’s defining moments.
Briscoe’s approach in the closing laps was not focused on crossing the finish line first, but on preventing a playoff competitor from sealing their own spot in the Championship 4. However, when the opportunity arose, he capitalized, aided by strategic alliances and split-second decision-making.
Pivotal Final Lap and Ty Gibbs’ Crucial Supporting Role
As the race wound down, Briscoe’s choices were shaped by the complex playoff landscape and his alliances on the track. He initially aimed to help Bubba Wallace secure the win, seeing this as the best scenario for his own playoff standing.
“That last restart was truthfully trying to push Bubba to the win,”
Briscoe said in his post-race news conference.
“I did not want William (Byron) to win. If (Kyle) Larson won, that was a best-case scenario out of playoff guys. It was really just trying to push Bubba to the win. I felt like that was going to be the best thing for me.”
– Chase Briscoe, Driver
A critical push from Joe Gibbs Racing’s Ty Gibbs proved decisive as the drama unfolded in the tri-oval section. The teamwork allowed Briscoe to find open track, distance himself from the pursuit, and complete the pass he needed.
“I don’t know what really happened on the bottom lane, but (I) was able to push Bubba far enough out,”
Briscoe said.
“(I) made a move. The 54 came with me. Ty was the whole reason I won the race. He was extremely committed to me from the get-go. Really did a good job of keeping me up tight to Bubba so I could keep pushing him along. When I made a move, Ty went with me. (He) was selfless in the fact that he’s going for his first win, could have easily tried to make a move, did something different. He pushed me to the win. An incredible team effort.”
– Chase Briscoe, Driver
Ty Gibbs’ commitment, even as he was pursuing his own first victory, was an important factor in Briscoe’s triumph. Gibbs’ selfless push at the critical moment helped Briscoe secure the victory and his place in the Championship 4.
Reaching the Expectations at Joe Gibbs Racing
For Briscoe, his inaugural year with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) marked a significant progression in his Cup Series journey. JGR is celebrated for high performance and championship pursuits, and Briscoe’s performance at Talladega rose to meet those standards.
“Not surprised,” Briscoe said.
“I knew it was capable of happening. I knew all the pieces were going to be there. It was just a matter if I could go and perform. Glad that I’ve been able to I feel like prove my worth. To be in the Championship 4 is a huge accomplishment itself. We want to win the championship. But to be one of those elite guys is a pretty special feeling.”
– Chase Briscoe, Driver
Briscoe’s triumph on the drafting tracks, which historically have not favored his driving style, elevated his status as a championship contender just in time for the season’s biggest test.
Mastering the Superspeedway Challenge With Calm Resolve
Drafting races have posed mental obstacles for Briscoe, with past superspeedway experiences dominated by stress and crash anxiety. Yet at Talladega, Briscoe reported an unusual sense of tranquility that carried him through the chaos of the final laps.
“Every time I’ve ever ran a superspeedway race at any level, I’ve just been stressed in a sense of just crashing more than anything,”
Briscoe said.
“I’m just stressed from what can happen. Even today, I was like, whatever Your plan is, let me be a vessel for that, whether that’s winning, running 38th, whatever it may be.”
– Chase Briscoe, Driver
That peace of mind became his anchor, allowing him to avoid the nervousness that might have hindered his performance in similar high-stakes moments.
“Normally, I would be a nervous wreck, I just had a total peace the whole time.”
– Chase Briscoe, Driver
Briscoe’s perspective was shaped not only by the technical demands of Talladega but also by his personal conviction and the support from teammates like Ty Gibbs, who played their own roles in the day’s outcome.
What This Win Means and What Lies Ahead
Chase Briscoe’s Talladega victory represents a major breakthrough in his career and provides Joe Gibbs Racing with a strong contender for the Cup Series title. The win ends a long wait for Briscoe to conquer a superspeedway and highlights the emotional stakes found in the NASCAR playoffs, with drivers like William Byron and Kyle Larson pushing for every advantage and playoff drivers constantly adapting strategies.
With the next championship race set for November 2, Briscoe will carry the momentum from Talladega, the confidence fostered during a turbulent race, and the collective effort of his Joe Gibbs Racing team. This performance has not only advanced his standing in the playoffs but also signaled his growth as a racecraft tactician and mental competitor in NASCAR’s toughest events.
CHASE BRISCOE IS A @TALLADEGA WINNER! 🏁 pic.twitter.com/pwfiMdP9w1
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 19, 2025
Brought it home. 💪 pic.twitter.com/c8SQfN1FK0
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 19, 2025
Punched his ticket. 🎟️ pic.twitter.com/JqZx2FvbDR
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 19, 2025
