Chase Briscoe career turnaround has stunned the NASCAR world in 2025, as the once-overlooked driver now stands on the verge of a championship run following a series of emotional breakthroughs and crucial opportunities. Briscoe’s rapid ascent, marked by a dramatic win at Talladega and valuable support from Joe Gibbs, signals a remarkable transformation for the driver and his team as the season heads toward its thrilling conclusion.
A Decade from Obscurity to Championship Contention
Just ten years ago, Chase Briscoe was largely unknown in the motorsports circuit, with his father, Kevin Briscoe, preferring that family time take precedence over racing. Despite his father’s reservations, Briscoe couldn’t ignore his passion, becoming adept at sprint car racing during his teenage years. Today, Briscoe is competing for the highest honors in NASCAR, standing only one race away from claiming the series’ ultimate prize at the NASCAR Championship.
This season has brought Briscoe into the spotlight, with three victorious finishes already to his name. His recent win at the renowned Talladega Superspeedway has especially highlighted his journey, capping off a critical year that almost did not happen. The closure of Stewart-Haas Racing, the team where he once raced, unlocked a pivotal opportunity when Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) extended a lifeline, a gesture that dramatically altered the direction of Briscoe’s career.
The Emotional Aftermath of a Defining Victory
Following his emotional triumph at Talladega, Briscoe expressed disbelief at the scale of change in his life. Speaking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, he recounted the overwhelming feeling of reaching the championship stage after having faced so many obstacles.
“I don’t know if they showed me on TV or not, I was bawling out there after I took the chequered. Just knowing the opportunity that I’m at least going to have. 15-16 months ago, I would have never in a million years expected to be in contention to run for a championship. Unbelievable opportunity, no matter how it comes out. Obviously we’re going to try and win it, but just to even have the opportunity.”
– Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
The journey, however, was far from simple. When Stewart-Haas Racing folded, Briscoe reached out to JGR President Dave Alpern in search of guidance and security, only to find that owner Joe Gibbs was personally invested in bringing Briscoe aboard. Gibbs’ repeated calls and belief in Briscoe’s character, as much as his racing ability, ultimately secured the deal and set Briscoe up for a breakout season with JGR.
Reflecting on his transformative path, Briscoe openly discussed how far he had come in less than a decade, moving from nights spent sleeping on friends’ couches to a seat in the Championship 4.
“I talk about it all the time, literally less than 10 years ago I was sleeping on couches. Now I’m going to be 1 in 4 shot to win the championship, it’s pretty unbelievable.”
– Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
Back in 2015, an encouraging message from Christopher Bell, a fellow racer and friend, opened a door for Briscoe at Roush Fenway Racing. Participating in ARCA test sessions marked the beginning of his progression toward the big leagues. With each step, Briscoe drew closer to the pinnacle of American motorsports.
Breakthrough Performances and the Power of Perspective
Despite entering the postseason as an underdog, Briscoe consistently delivered strong results throughout the year, quietly accumulating top-five finishes that few in the garage initially noticed. The victory at Darlington for the playoff opener finally captured the wider attention of fans and insiders alike, making clear that Briscoe had truly arrived as a contender.
Evaluating his season, Briscoe discussed his team’s journey and how their progress accelerated as the year went on:
“It’s definitely been a sleeper of a season for how good we’ve been. Truthfully, we’ve only really like raced the second half of the season. The first half, I was just trying to learn the cars. We could have been way better, the first half of the year. I feel great about where we’re at as a race team. Obviously I’m still focused on this year, I’m just excited next year to have a full season where we can kind of hit the ground running. Spending 3-4 months doing that, right now the focus is all on Phoenix and feel really good about going there. It’s just a matter of putting it all together.”
– Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
Briscoe acknowledged that while early challenges affected the first half of the campaign, the latter months revealed the team’s true form and momentum. The confidence from team owner Joe Gibbs further underscores Briscoe’s worth to the organization and to the championship chase itself. As Gibbs remarked upon Briscoe’s progression into the Championship 4:
“Right now he can get anything he wants.”
– Joe Gibbs, JGR Owner
This public show of faith highlights the strong relationship between driver and team leadership, and it provides Briscoe with an invaluable psychological boost heading into the season’s final showdowns.
Looking to the Future: Gearing Up for Phoenix
With the experience gained during his debut season at JGR, Briscoe and his crew set their sights squarely on Phoenix and beyond. The confidence shared between driver and owner could prove essential as they work to harness their late-season energy and maintain focus under immense pressure.
Briscoe’s performance at Talladega, including his memorable victory celebration alongside Miss Alabama Emma Terry in the winner’s circle, has also captured the imagination of fans, reinforcing his growing stature within NASCAR.
Rivalries and Playoff Dynamics: Team Penske in Briscoe’s Sights
As the playoff rounds intensify, attention is shifting toward major competitors, particularly Team Penske. With only the Martinsville race left, Penske faces a make-or-break scenario. Briscoe, however, candidly explained on the Dale Jr. Download podcast that he does not want to see Penske’s drivers, especially considering their recent dominance, reach the finals this season:
“We have them in a really good spot right now, right? Where they have to go to Martinsville and win,”
– Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
He continued, pointing out Team Penske’s perfect record at Phoenix over the last several years:
“I think it’s no secret that, you know, the last three years they went to Phoenix and just dominated. Nobody could even run with them. So, I mean, yeah, from a personal standpoint, I do not want a Penske car to go there,”
– Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
The performance of Penske at Phoenix, highlighted by Ryan Blaney’s string of runner-up finishes in each of the last three contests, poses a significant threat for any rivals hoping to claim the championship. For Briscoe and Joe Gibbs Racing, denying Penske entry to the Championship 4 is a key strategic objective.
Their chances at unseating previous champions hinge on keeping such a dominant force out of the finals, knowing well that if Team Penske qualifies, it may be an uphill battle for anyone to beat them at Phoenix.
The Impact of Briscoe’s Ascendance on NASCAR
Chase Briscoe’s narrative, from humble beginnings and familial doubt to his current status among NASCAR’s elite, highlights the unpredictable and emotional nature of motorsports. His story exemplifies the fierce dedication required to excel under pressure, the importance of seizing unforeseen opportunities, and the invaluable support from teams and mentors, seen in his relationship with figures like Joe Gibbs and Christopher Bell.
As the 2025 season draws to a close, Briscoe’s career turnaround will remain a reference point for resilience and determination in the NASCAR community, while his ongoing battle against established powerhouses like Team Penske adds drama and excitement that resonates far beyond the track. The coming weeks will determine whether this remarkable run results in a crowning triumph for Briscoe and JGR, with his journey inspiring both new and seasoned fans—and serving as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of American motorsport.
🗣️ "Now the focus is all on Phoenix and feel really good about going there. It's just a matter of putting it all together."
🏆 @chasebriscoe punches his ticket into the #Championship4 with the #YellaWood500 win @TALLADEGA for @JoeGibbsRacing. pic.twitter.com/GDLnDMV9gV
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) October 20, 2025
