As Chase Briscoe rounds the track in Charlotte Motor Speedway for Goodyear’s tire test, it’s not just about the tires. The test has become a crucial practice session for the NASCAR driver. It’s an opportunity to get to grips with the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19, a Toyota vehicle that stands in stark contrast to the Fords he’s used to driving.
Briscoe has been dedicating his track time during the two-day tire test to become more acquainted with the idiosyncrasies of his new car. The aim is to adapt his driving style to better suit the unique set-ups of the JGR cars. “The JGR cars drive way different than what I’m used to,” Briscoe admitted. He further noted that while the different tires do present unique challenges, his main focus during the tire test was to become more comfortable with the car itself.
Briscoe’s transition to the JGR team marks his first time behind the wheel of anything other than a Ford in his NASCAR national series career. He started his racing journey in 2017 in the Craftsman Truck Series and spent the previous four seasons at the Cup Series level, driving a Next Gen from the Stewart-Haas Racing stable.
Adjusting to the new car has demanded a significant shift in Briscoe’s driving style, and he has been working diligently to make those changes over the past few weeks. The recent race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the season’s first intermediate race, provided a valuable learning experience for the novice JGR driver.
The intermediate races, including the upcoming one at Homestead-Miami Speedway, form the backbone of the Cup Series schedule. Success at these venues is a key determining factor for a successful season. Briscoe’s 17th place finish at Las Vegas, notwithstanding a two-lap penalty when the left-rear wheel came off, has left him determined to improve.
The specific changes that Briscoe has implemented in his driving style remain a closely guarded secret. He’s hinted at a complete overhaul of his approach, focusing on maintaining a higher minimum speed and altering how he enters corners. His aim is to replicate the successful strategies employed by his JGR teammates.
Briscoe acknowledges that the transition has been a steep learning curve. Despite some initial surprises, he’s committed to becoming a better driver, even if that means changing his natural driving style. As he succinctly put it, “JGR has won way more races than I have, so I’m just trying to do what I can to put ourselves in the best position.” His time on the track at the Goodyear tire test is another step in that direction. As the season progresses, the racing world will be keenly watching to see how Briscoe adapts to his new ride.
