Brad Keselowski‘s NASCAR influence was instrumental in shaping Chase Briscoe’s journey to top-tier racing, helping propel him to a third-place finish in his debut season with Joe Gibbs Racing. Briscoe’s rise from the ARCA Menards Series to the NASCAR Cup Series can be traced back to key moments shaped by Keselowski’s mentorship and belief.
The Path from ARCA Success to Keselowski’s Guidance
Chase Briscoe’s career started its upward trajectory after a standout 2016 season in the ARCA Menards Series, where he tallied six wins. This performance caught the attention of Brad Keselowski, the 2012 Cup champion, who saw promise in Briscoe’s combination of speed and discipline. Keselowski provided Briscoe the chance to compete in the No. 29 truck for Brad Keselowski Racing (BKR) in 2017. That season became a significant turning point for both Briscoe and the team, as BKR was set to close at year’s end.
A Pivotal Win as BKR Closed Its Doors
Briscoe gave BKR a superb send-off by winning the Homestead–Miami finale, securing a sixth-place finish for the season and making a name for himself in the racing world. This victory not only capped off BKR’s run with dignity but also catapulted Briscoe’s stock in the eyes of major teams, offering him the momentum needed to chase bigger opportunities.
Transition to Xfinity and Continued Mentorship
Building on his achievements, Briscoe’s next step brought him to the Xfinity Series at Roush Fenway Racing, before ultimately moving up to the Cup Series with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2021. Throughout these changes, Briscoe maintained a close connection to Keselowski, consistently seeking guidance from his mentor during challenging times and unfamiliar situations.
“Yeah, me, and Brad still talk. If I’m struggling somewhere I’ll text him, or if I’ve never been somewhere before, I’ll still talk to him. When I see him, I’ll still talk to him,”
Briscoe shared in 2019, reflecting the ongoing support he received from Keselowski.
“So yeah, me, and Brad have always been really good. Brad’s always been a huge supporter of mine and always believed in me, so it’s nice that a guy like that, of that caliber, still believes in a guy like me.”
— Chase Briscoe, Cup Series driver
How Setbacks Turned Into Opportunities
The sudden shutdown of Brad Keselowski Racing altered Briscoe’s carefully crafted career plans. Rather than spending two seasons with BKR and two more in Xfinity, Briscoe found himself thrust into new opportunities ahead of schedule. Competing in the 2018 ROVAL Xfinity race, he notched his first victory in the series, which set the stage for his move to Stewart-Haas Racing.
This accelerated path pushed Briscoe to adapt quickly, allowing him to develop his skillset and reputation at a faster pace than originally intended. He now views the abrupt changes as essential to his rapid ascent to the NASCAR Cup Series.
Reaching the Top and Racing Alongside His Mentor
Briscoe’s fast-tracked journey positioned him as a serious competitor in the field, racing alongside veterans such as Keselowski himself. He has now secured five Cup wins over five seasons, including four in the past two years, highlighting a period where his development and performance have culminated at just the right time.
The ongoing presence of Brad Keselowski in Briscoe’s professional life—both as a mentor and as a former team owner—remains a testament to the power of guidance and belief in nurturing new talent. Briscoe’s story illustrates how unexpected challenges turned into milestones, solidifying his place among NASCAR’s notable rising stars and demonstrating how the right influence can define a career.
