Chase Briscoe has detailed his Martinsville approach on the Dale Jr. Download, revealing that he remains committed to pursuing victory even with his position in the championship finale secured. His Chase Briscoe Martinsville plans show that, despite having already clinched a spot in the final four, he aims to maintain competitive momentum heading into the decisive race.
Briscoe Keeps Eyes on Victory at Martinsville
On a recent episode, Briscoe discussed his objectives for Martinsville Speedway, emphasizing a winning mindset. Although he and Denny Hamlin have both advanced to the championship race after posting back-to-back Round of 8 victories, there are still two open spots for the final showdown. In this scenario, should Briscoe or Hamlin secure another win, Christopher Bell would automatically secure advancement as well, since the No.20 driver enters Martinsville comfortably third in points, holding a 37-point cushion above the cutoff.
Reflecting on his performances, Briscoe recalled finishing ninth in the previous Martinsville spring race, while Hamlin and Bell took first and second. His highest result at the venue remains a fourth-place run from October 2023, highlighting consistent efforts at one of NASCAR’s most challenging tracks.
Speaking about the coming weekend, Briscoe said,
“Our focus is trying to go there and win. You know, even tomorrow, I’m still going to go run sim for Martinsville, just trying to be as best we can this weekend.” – Chase Briscoe, Driver
“You know, 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,” he added. – Chase Briscoe, Driver
Martinsville stands out as Briscoe’s second-best track based on average finish. Over seven events, he has earned two top-five and six top-ten finishes, with an average result of 8.7, indicating his affinity for the Virginia short track and strengthening his ambitions for the upcoming race.
Briscoe Reflects on His Evolving Relationship with Phoenix Raceway
As thoughts turn to the finale, Briscoe shared candid feelings about Phoenix Raceway. Historically, the track posed a significant challenge for him, as he openly acknowledged in his own words. Although he once ranked it among his least favorite circuits, a breakthrough win in 2022 transformed his perspective and confidence.
“Phoenix is a weird one for me because it was always one of my three worst tracks in truth, my least favorite tracks to go to,” he said, “In 2022…I went there and won the cup race and got my first cup win there. And kind of from that moment on, I started to like it obviously,” he said via aforementioned source. [54:51 onwards] – Chase Briscoe, Driver
Briscoe’s last visit to Phoenix was marred by a multi-car accident near 15th, forcing him out of action on lap 98. That same race, Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Hamlin and Bell locked out the top row, with Bell capturing his third win of the 2025 campaign. Noteworthy is that, while Bell and Briscoe have found past success at Phoenix, Denny Hamlin remains without a Phoenix win in NASCAR’s Next Gen Era, despite qualifying for his first championship four since 2021.
What to Expect Moving Into the Finale
The final elimination race at Martinsville carries high stakes for the entire field, as the last two Championship Four spots remain open and competition intensifies. Joe Gibbs Racing, with drivers like Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell, stands strong in this playoff run, reflecting the organization’s persistent presence at the front of the NASCAR grid. Briscoe’s determination to build momentum at Martinsville sets up a compelling fight for the season’s closing events, with both individual ambition and team strategy likely to play decisive roles.
As pressure mounts, the performances at Martinsville are poised to shape the narrative entering Phoenix, where the championship will ultimately be decided. For Briscoe, sustaining his form on tracks like Martinsville and overcoming earlier struggles at Phoenix could prove vital, not just for personal achievement but for the direction of the season’s concluding chapter.
