As the Martinsville race approaches, Chase Briscoe is laser-focused on both his individual performance and maximizing his team’s chances, despite already having secured his spot in Phoenix. The Chase Briscoe Martinsville race goals are not only about personal victory but also about impacting the Championship 4 lineup and supporting Christopher Bell’s ongoing pursuit.
Briscoe’s Mindset and Team Objectives Heading into Martinsville
This week, Martinsville presents unique stakes for Briscoe. While he no longer faces playoff elimination pressure, his drive to win remains undimmed. Not only would a race victory add another highlight to his first season with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), it could also practically guarantee teammate Christopher Bell’s place in Phoenix. High points are at play, and with the Championship 4 field to be finalized at Martinsville, tensions remain high for all competitors involved.
“I mean for us, I think it’s trying to just go there and win again, truthfully. All of us want a grandfather clock, right?”
— Briscoe, Driver
Briscoe’s determination is evident in his preparation, continuing work in simulation practice to be at his best for the weekend. He views every race as another opportunity, emphasizing momentum and confidence. Even absent the typical playoff stress, Briscoe refuses to settle for a subpar run.
“Even tomorrow I’m still going to go run sim for Martinsville just trying to be the best we can this weekend. So, yeah, for us it’s no different than any other week. The stress is off in a sense of the playoffs, but you know, you don’t want to go to Martinsville and run terrible and run 28th and then carry that into Phoenix. You want to go there and have a good run and kind of carry that momentum.”
— Briscoe, Driver
Supporting JGR’s Push for Championship 4 Dominance
Although Briscoe has locked in his Championship 4 appearance, a win at Martinsville could dramatically benefit Joe Gibbs Racing. Securing three JGR cars in the final round would greatly enhance the team’s championship prospects and set up a compelling comparison with Kyle Larson, the lone non-JGR driver in the mix. This scenario is top of mind for everyone at JGR as the stakes reach their peak.
Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney of Team Penske also enter Martinsville with a do-or-die mentality, aware that their strength at Phoenix in the Next Gen era makes them dangerous if allowed into the finals. For JGR, keeping Team Penske out of Phoenix is critical to title hopes, raising the stakes for every decision on the track.
Playoff Scenarios: The Bell and Larson Equation
Christopher Bell, who conquered Martinsville in a must-win scenario back in 2022, does not face the same elimination threat this year, boasting a buffer of more than 30 points above the cutline. However, should a contender below the cutline secure a win, Bell’s position could be threatened and the points battle with Larson would intensify. Every lap at Martinsville could shift the outlook for the final four.
Briscoe’s Breakout Year with Joe Gibbs Racing
Chase Briscoe’s first season at JGR, stepping in for the accomplished Martin Truex Jr., has already been remarkable. Winning three races during a debut year highlights his adaptability and competitive edge, making him a standout addition. Securing a championship would validate the team’s decision and provide a fitting capstone to a season that’s exceeded expectations.
What’s at Stake Beyond Martinsville
The results at Martinsville will solidify the Championship 4, with Briscoe, Bell, and potentially more JGR drivers taking up position for a shot at the title in Phoenix. The race is more than a formality—driver pride, team ambitions, and the delicate playoff balance all intertwine. For Briscoe, the race is a chance to build momentum, prove his strength in decisive moments, and potentially pave the way for an unforgettable championship run.
