Chase Briscoe’s journey this season with Joe Gibbs Racing has caught the attention of the NASCAR world, as his unexpected run to the finale signaled to many that the Chase Briscoe future champion narrative is becoming more likely. Emerging from a difficult start, Briscoe managed to outperform expectations, setting himself up as a rising force and inspiring leaders like Jeff Burton to predict championship glory in the near future.
Chase Briscoe’s Unexpected Rise With Joe Gibbs Racing
This year marked a historic debut for Chase Briscoe at Joe Gibbs Racing, where he started as a clear underdog and gradually worked his way up to a contender for the series finale. Despite being the least favored among the finalists, his season-long progress highlighted his ability to adapt and thrive amid intense competition. Initially, Briscoe struggled to match JGR’s rhythm, but shortly after finding his footing, he went on a run that saw him clinch a remarkable seven pole positions—more than any other competitor this season.
While Briscoe did not secure the Cup title at his first attempt, his impressive campaign proved to many observers that he possesses championship-caliber skill. NASCAR veteran Jeff Burton, a respected voice in the sport, summed it up: Briscoe’s transformation throughout the season signals that a title is within reach, it is only a matter of when, not if.
Jeff Burton’s Strong Endorsement of Briscoe’s Championship Credentials
The wider NASCAR community has taken notice of the hidden potential in the 30-year-old driver. Speaking on the “Inside the Race” program, Jeff Burton directly addressed what sets Briscoe apart and why his recent experience is critical for future success. Burton said,
“Everything’s nerve-wracking, and now you’ve experienced it, you’ve done that. Now you come back the next time, ‘Okay, I understand what to expect. I know what the week goes like, what the race feels like.’ I think that that experience is extremely valuable.”
– Jeff Burton, Former NASCAR Driver and Analyst.
Briscoe’s progression to the championship stage at Phoenix introduced him to the unique pressure and stakes of a Cup finale, according to Burton. He emphasized that the main challenge for Briscoe is embracing his talent and capacity under that “nerve-wracking” atmosphere.
In a further endorsement, Burton commented,
“If he can keep his perspective with gaining the swagger that his talent deserves, then it’s going to be unreal. That’s what he strikes me as, he strikes me as this, ‘Oh shucks! I’m replaceable.’ I’m like, ‘Nah, if you were, I would have drove. I want to be a race car driver, you have to actually be good at it.’”
– Jeff Burton, Former NASCAR Driver and Analyst.
Burton’s perspective points to Briscoe’s humility, which can sometimes lead to self-doubt. The NASCAR veteran believes that the next leap for Briscoe is to match his rising confidence with his underlying skill.
Briscoe himself accepted this challenge earlier in the season, admitting,
“I always feel like I’m auditioning, still, every week to a certain extent.”
– Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver.
However, some of that humility has evolved into well-deserved confidence. Briscoe shared,
“I don’t think you can ever say, ‘Oh, yeah, man, I’ve made it.’ But in the same sense, I’ve certainly made it. I never in a million years thought I would race a single Cup Series race…Now, to have four Cup Series wins, yeah, I’ve certainly made it from that standpoint.”
– Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver.
Burton summed up his faith in Briscoe’s path to a championship with another prediction:
“He keeps coming back from setbacks and when he comes back and is faced with the scenario for the second time, he wins. I promise you, the next time that Chase Briscoe, mark my words, he has a chance to win the championship in any format. Mark him down as the champion, cause that’s what he does,”
said Jeff Burton.
Burton’s words reflect the tenacity that has become Briscoe’s trademark. He pointed out that Briscoe was once told he could not even make it to ARCA, yet he persevered, won in the Xfinity Series, and now battles among NASCAR’s elite for the Cup title.
Turning Setbacks Into Motivation: Briscoe’s Constants
The intense season finale at Phoenix was full of heartbreaks: Denny Hamlin missed his fifth title, while Briscoe faced repeated misfortune with multiple tire issues, ultimately finishing 18th after starting 12th. Despite these setbacks, Briscoe remained positive and resilient—a quality noted by fans, fellow drivers, and sports media alike on that crucial day in Pennsylvania and throughout key races such as The Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway.
After an eventful race marred by tire failures, Briscoe highlighted his core attitude:
“We never gave up. That’s been the story of my whole career, never giving up. You never know what can change at any point. Felt like we were good enough. We came from the front to the back two or three different times.”
– Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver.
Briscoe viewed his troubles as part of the unpredictability of motorsport, especially when battling rivals like William Byron during the Championship 4 race. Though disappointed, he saw value in simply being given the opportunity to compete at the highest level, crediting Joe Gibbs for enabling these moments.
What Lies Ahead for Chase Briscoe
Looking toward the 2026 season, optimism is high among legends like Jeff Burton, the NASCAR community, and Briscoe himself. As Briscoe continues to gain experience and confidence—and with Joe Gibbs Racing’s support—many believe it is only a matter of time before he clinches a NASCAR Cup Series championship. The emotional investment from fans, other drivers, and media outlets reinforces the sentiment that Chase Briscoe is poised to become one of NASCAR’s future champions.
If Briscoe can maintain his determination and blend his ever-increasing confidence with his proven resilience, he is likely to bring the No. 19 Toyota back to the title stage sooner rather than later. For now, the drive for “Chase Briscoe future champion” remains strong—and with each season, that possibility becomes more tangible for the driver, his team, and the devoted NASCAR fanbase.
