Chase Briscoe championship pursuit has taken an electrifying turn in the 2025 NASCAR season, as he added a third win to his tally by claiming victory in the pivotal Round of 8 qualifier at Talladega. This latest triumph has propelled the Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) driver into the coveted final four, setting the stage for a crucial showdown in Phoenix as the series barrels toward its championship finale.
Briscoe is not blazing this trail alone. His teammate Denny Hamlin, the veteran competitor who has become the winningest driver in 2025, also secured his place among the elite Championship-4, giving JGR a dominant presence as the season reaches its peak. Following Briscoe’s YellaWood 500 win, his crew chief, James Small, has been outspoken about the team’s momentum and unwavering belief.
JGR Overcomes Mid-Season Slump to Emerge as Front-Runner
Briscoe’s performance at Talladega exemplified the resilience and determination of both driver and team. After securing a strong P2 in qualifying, Briscoe capitalized with a race win that reinforced JGR’s resurgence in the latter half of the season. Throughout the campaign, James Small maintained his confidence in his crew, dismissing any doubts during their mid-year struggles and pointing to the organization’s steady support as a key driver behind their upturn in form.
Small emphasized that, despite facing challenges, the JGR team continually seized opportunities and improved. Since the races in Kansas and Charlotte, JGR’s results have set them apart, with the crew chief highlighting their dominance in points, pole positions, and race victories. Now, the focus shifts to Phoenix, where Briscoe and his team are determined to make their mark.
“I never lost belief in myself or my team, I always had the support of everybody back at JGR. I knew if we had this opportunity, it was going to take a little bit, but we were going to be a force to be reckoned with. I think you’ve seen that since Kansas (and) Charlotte. We’re consistently, in my opinion, the best team in the series. We scored more points than anybody, more poles, had the most points in the playoffs here. Now we’re going to Phoenix.”
James Small said via nascar.com.
Teamwork Behind Briscoe’s Talladega Triumph
The decisive YellaWood 500 victory was not merely an individual achievement for Briscoe but rather a reflection of exceptional teamwork, especially involving his fellow JGR driver, Ty Gibbs. As the race reached its climax, Gibbs sacrificed his own prospects to assist Briscoe, ensuring that the #19 driver secured the win and a championship berth. This act of unity was not lost on Briscoe, who openly acknowledged the significance of Gibbs’s support in the heated competitive atmosphere.
Briscoe credited Gibbs for being steadfast throughout their bid for the lead. By working together tactically, Gibbs helped Briscoe maintain positioning against rivals like Bubba Wallace. Despite having a prime opportunity to chase his own victory, Gibbs demonstrated a selfless dedication to the team’s larger goal, pushing Briscoe to the finish line and exemplifying what it means to be a team player.
“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. 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 asserted.
JGR’s Dominance Shapes Championship Narrative
With both Briscoe and Hamlin claiming spots in the Championship-4, Joe Gibbs Racing stands out as the benchmark team for the 2025 season. Their comprehensive efforts have produced consistency, resilience, and shared triumphs, making them the standard that competitors seek to match. The remaining Championship-4 positions are expected to be closely contested, with Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell, both regarded as favorites, hoping to join Briscoe and Hamlin in Phoenix.
This season’s playoff battles, particularly the rise of the #19 team, have reinvigorated the championship fight. The run-up to Phoenix carries significant anticipation, as Briscoe tests his abilities in his first-ever appearance among the final four. His journey, supported by pivotal teamwork and the belief instilled by James Small and everyone at JGR, encapsulates the intensity and energy that have defined this campaign.
What the Championship Battle Means Moving Forward
The developments of 2025 suggest that the Chase Briscoe championship pursuit may redefine the competitive landscape at Phoenix. Through remarkable teamwork, unwavering belief from leadership, and individual excellence, JGR positions itself as the team to beat. As the battle for the title nears its conclusion, the performances from both Briscoe and Hamlin underline a broader narrative of determination and unity within the series, inspiring fans and raising expectations for what promises to be a dramatic finale.
