Chase Briscoe’s Talladega win on Sunday secured him a crucial spot in the Championship 4 for Joe Gibbs Racing, amplifying the team’s chances as they head to Phoenix. The Chase Briscoe Talladega win not only locks Briscoe in but also places Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Denny Hamlin and possibly Christopher Bell as significant contenders for the NASCAR Cup Series title.
Briscoe’s Triumph Secures Championship Bid
At Talladega Superspeedway, Chase Briscoe surged ahead in a pivotal moment, capturing the checkered flag for Joe Gibbs Racing. This performance guaranteed his position in the season’s climactic Championship 4 event. With Briscoe making the cut, Joe Gibbs Racing now has two cars—Briscoe’s No. 19 and Denny Hamlin’s entry—vying for the coveted Cup Series crown in Phoenix, intensifying the intra-team dynamic and fueling hopes for a team championship.
Hamlin Praises Briscoe and the No. 19 Crew
Denny Hamlin expressed his admiration and excitement for Briscoe’s accomplishment during a recent episode of his Actions Detrimental podcast. Hamlin highlighted not only Briscoe’s skill but also the relentless efforts of the entire No. 19 team, specifically commending crew chief James Small and the crew’s dedication.
“He’s such a good dude, and he’s been a really good teammate. I’m really happy for him and James Small. I know that James works really, really hard for that No. 19 team. And I love all their crew guys over there. Really happy for them to have this opportunity.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver
JGR’s Approach Heading Into Phoenix
Following Briscoe’s Talladega achievement, questions arose regarding whether Joe Gibbs Racing would shift resources to accommodate multiple contenders now qualified for the finale in Phoenix. Hamlin, reflecting on the unique situation, noted that while their strategic approach remains largely consistent, the team dynamic has become more intricate with both him and Briscoe in the running.
“I don’t think so. I don’t know how soon that stuff all gets determined. What it does do, from my standpoint, it’s another data point,”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver
With two strong cars in contention, Hamlin pointed out that both have the opportunity to observe and learn from each other’s setups, possibly leveraging internal data to gain a competitive edge.
Teamwork and Internal Competition
The competition within Joe Gibbs Racing may intensify as the championship approaches, with both Hamlin and Briscoe eager to claim the sport’s top honor. Hamlin acknowledged the value of sharing information and setups for Phoenix, while still underscoring the ever-present competitive streak among teammates.
“You know, one variable though for me personally — we’re all cocky, and we all feel as though we’re the best — is that I’m not going to get beat by equipment, you know what I mean? At least not by one of my competitors. So, it just puts more pressure on me to go out there and get it done.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver
Pivotal Moments Ahead: Bell’s Chance and the Final Playoff Race
Joe Gibbs Racing could field three entries in the Championship 4, as Christopher Bell remains within range ahead of the deciding race at Martinsville Speedway. The final playoff positions will be determined at Martinsville before the season concludes under the desert skies of Phoenix.
The energy across the organization is high, with drivers and crew members motivated by the rare opportunity to bring multiple cars to the championship round. As the stakes reach their peak, every detail, strategy, and maneuver carries heightened importance.
The Road to a Potential First for Hamlin
For Denny Hamlin, the journey ahead is not only about team success but also the quest for his own inaugural Cup Series championship. Whether overcoming teammate rivalries or standing out among the sport’s fiercest competitors, Hamlin’s focus is clear—he is driven to seize the one accolade that has eluded him through his storied career.
As the Cup Series field sets its sights on Martinsville and, ultimately, Phoenix, the results of the Chase Briscoe Talladega win have intensified both the internal and external competitive atmosphere. Fans will be watching closely to see which Joe Gibbs Racing driver, if any, can rise above and claim one of the sport’s most prized titles in the final showdown.
