Joe Gibbs Racing goes 1-2 as Briscoe holds off Hamlin and Blaney in strategic showdown
In a tense and dramatic finish at Pocono Raceway, Chase Briscoe claimed his first NASCAR Cup Series win driving the No. 19 car for Joe Gibbs Racing, mastering fuel strategy and fending off teammate Denny Hamlin and defending Pocono winner Ryan Blaney in the closing laps of the Great American Getaway 400.
Briscoe, who started deep in the field, surged forward thanks to shrewd pit strategy and then clung to the lead in the final laps as concerns mounted about whether he had enough fuel to finish.
“I was honestly saving from the moment we left pit road,” Briscoe said. “I didn’t know if we were going to make it. It’s unreal to win in the 19.”
Race Recap: Strategy, Crashes, and Fuel Calculations
Pre-Race Drama
The race began with a weather delay, during which former driver Carl Edwards made headlines by naming his surprise title pick. Meanwhile, Dale Earnhardt Jr. cautioned teams about aggression as tensions rose.
Stage 1 – Hamlin Leads Early
Pole-sitter Denny Hamlin controlled the opening stage, leading flag-to-flag with Chris Buescher close behind.
Stage 2 – Briscoe Makes His Move
Briscoe took the lead through a smart pit sequence, holding off a fast-charging Josh Berry to win Stage 2. Chase Elliott and William Byron both gained ground after tough qualifying sessions, with Byron recovering from a crash to finish inside the top 30.
Final Stage – Fuel Drama Unfolds
Briscoe’s crew chief James Small made a gutsy call during the final pit stop, opting for a quick splash of fuel. But the move sparked concern inside the No. 19 camp about whether it would be enough.
With Hamlin and Blaney closing rapidly, Briscoe began conserving. Behind them, Keselowski looked like a potential winner before a late caution derailed his strategy. Chris Buescher passed Elliott for fourth in the final laps.
Bubba Wallace, meanwhile, crashed out and could face discipline from NASCAR for his actions following the incident.
Briscoe Joins 2025’s New Winners Club
Briscoe becomes the sixth new winner in the last eight races, locking himself into the 2025 Cup Series Playoffs. It’s a breakout moment for the driver and a major boost for Joe Gibbs Racing, which had been under pressure after a mixed first half of the season.
“We believed in Chase, and today showed why,” said team boss Joe Gibbs.
Unofficial Top 10 – Great American Getaway 400
- Chase Briscoe
- Denny Hamlin
- Ryan Blaney
- Chris Buescher
- Chase Elliott
- John Hunter Nemechek
- Kyle Larson
- Ryan Preece
- Brad Keselowski
- Austin Cindric
Other Notables
- Kyle Busch finished 20th and later admitted frustration with the No. 8 team’s slump, which his brother Kurt Busch also addressed during the broadcast.
- Justin Haley, Ty Gibbs, and Daniel Suarez had solid runs inside the top 15.
- Bubba Wallace‘s crash marked a low point in an already tense season. NASCAR is reviewing his behavior post-race.
