Chase Briscoe faced significant challenges due to recurring tire problems during Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway. The Chase Briscoe tire issues surfaced as early as Stage 2, complicating the efforts of the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing team in the hunt for the 2025 championship.
Tire Troubles Begin Mid-Race, Impacting Momentum
Briscoe, who started the race from the 12th spot, had steadily climbed into the top five before tire difficulties struck. His initial setback came in Stage 2 with a right-rear tire problem, mirroring an incident that sent Shane van Gisbergen of Trackhouse Racing into trouble on Lap 106 and brought out a caution flag. Seizing the opportunity, Briscoe managed to slow his Toyota and prevent major damage. Despite this, he soon reported another vibration issue, which forced an additional trip to pit road and led to a fall outside the top 25 positions.
Early Weekend Problems Hamper Preparation
Preparation for the championship had already been compromised for Briscoe. A flat left-rear tire during Friday’s practice limited his on-track time to just 24 laps, hampering setup efforts ahead of the crucial race. The tire mishaps formed a recurring theme that lingered throughout the weekend for the contender from Mitchell, Indiana.
Briscoe’s Recovery Efforts Amid Further Difficulties
Despite these obstacles, Briscoe, already a three-time race winner this season, demonstrated resilience. Having secured his spot in the Championship 4 with a recent victory at Talladega Superspeedway, he mounted a recovery, driving back to finish seventh at the conclusion of Stage 2. With less than 130 laps remaining, Briscoe and the No. 19 team were back in the mix.
Late Race Tire Issues Affect Briscoe and Rivals
The final stage of the race saw Briscoe advance into second place, closely pursuing William Byron for the lead. At the same time, another Championship 4 contender, Kyle Larson, experienced a flat tire. Only a lap after Larson’s mishap, Briscoe’s car suffered yet another tire failure. Demonstrating composure, he managed to reach pit road without further incident, staying on the lead lap but dropping to a position outside the top 20.
Championship Implications and Next Steps
Although Chase Briscoe tire issues have posed considerable setbacks, he remained on the lead lap and still finds himself in the running as the race continues. Joe Gibbs Racing now faces the challenge of overcoming these technical difficulties while Briscoe aims to keep his championship hopes alive at Phoenix Raceway. The ongoing developments involving key competitors such as William Byron, Kyle Larson, and Shane van Gisbergen ensure that the championship battle remains unpredictable as the season nears its conclusion.
