Before the highly anticipated NASCAR Championship race at Phoenix Raceway, Tony Stewart shared a direct and motivational message with Chase Briscoe, underscoring the importance of the Chase Briscoe championship message for the young driver. The message, broadcast on NBC, marked another chapter in the longstanding connection between Stewart and Briscoe, both proud Indiana natives who have forged their racing legacies in the Hoosier State.
Tony Stewart, the accomplished driver and team owner, has a storied NASCAR Cup Series history, capturing championships in 2002, 2005, and 2011 as a driver, and once more in 2014 as an owner with Kevin Harvick at Stewart-Haas Racing. Chase Briscoe’s own journey saw him driving for Stewart-Haas from 2021 until he transitioned to Joe Gibbs Racing for the current season, highlighting a significant career move influenced by key mentors and pivotal moments.
A Historic Relationship Shapes a Pivotal Moment
The relationship between Stewart and Briscoe extends beyond professional racing; it is rooted in mutual respect and deep personal ties from their shared Indiana upbringing. As the NASCAR Cup Series Championship approached, Stewart’s encouragement took center stage when his message went public:
“Go do some of that driver shit. Let’s get it done.”
This blunt statement, amplified across social media by journalist Steven Taranto and aired on NBC, reflected Stewart’s unfiltered support and seasoned perspective heading into a decisive race. Prior to the Phoenix showdown, Stewart had already reached out to Briscoe with further encouragement, according to Forbes’ Bruce Martin. Stewart’s advice wasn’t taken lightly; in fact, Briscoe responded immediately and spoke to his former boss for over twenty minutes.
“The only person I have talked to is Tony Stewart and I talked to him last night,” Briscoe said before the Martinsville race. “When your hero reaches out wanting to give you advice, you certainly call him back.”
Briscoe entered Championship 4 after securing his spot with a triumphant victory at the Talladega YellaWood 500 on October 19, joining teammate Denny Hamlin in the race for the title. Despite the momentum, Briscoe’s championship hopes ultimately fell short, as he concluded the Phoenix finale in 18th place. Kyle Larson raced to the championship, clinching the 2025 NASCAR Cup title ahead of the field including notable drivers like Briscoe and Denny Hamlin.
Recurring Aerodynamic Concerns Raise Questions for NASCAR
Tony Stewart’s influence on the sport extends beyond mentorship and competition. His outspoken perspective on aerodynamic challenges in NASCAR resurfaced recently, recalling his candid remarks following his win at Richmond Raceway in May 2002. At that time, Stewart warned of the growing dependency on aerodynamics, which he feared would hinder on-track competition and driver ability.
“We’ve got a big problem starting here with aerodynamics and how aero-dependent these cars are getting,” Tony Stewart said, as quoted by Nascarman on X.
“Any disturbance in the air in front of you directly affects how your car drives,” he added.
Stewart’s cautionary outlook proved prescient, as current discussions among drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kyle Petty echo similar frustrations. The Next Gen car, despite updates, continues to challenge the traditional dynamic of close-quarters racing, with Earnhardt Jr. comparing the new models to IMSA sports cars and Petty critiquing the departure from “true stock cars” since 1958. This season, the issue was put on display at Bristol, where limited tire wear resulted in lap times converging closely and Kyle Larson leading 411 out of 500 laps—demonstrating just how hard it has become for drivers to advance in the field.
The Lasting Impact of Leadership and Honest Dialogue
Tony Stewart’s straightforward advice and commitment to calling out issues continue to shape the landscape for drivers like Briscoe and for NASCAR at large. His readiness to offer guidance in critical moments, such as before a championship race, highlights the enduring significance of mentorship and open communication within the sport. As the championship closes with Kyle Larson on top, questions remain about the path forward for up-and-coming contenders like Chase Briscoe, and whether the sport’s leaders will confront persistent challenges in the years ahead. Stewart, who has never shied away from speaking his mind, has left an indelible mark—both in a young driver’s preparation and on the ongoing evolution of NASCAR itself.
NBC just shared a special message from Tony Stewart to Chase Briscoe during pre-race.
"Go do some of that driver shit. Let's get it done." pic.twitter.com/XxMVUb5eKR
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) November 2, 2025
