Chase Briscoe Speaks Out: Disappointment Looms as NASCAR Championship Slips Away from JGR!
In a gripping post-race revelation, Chase Briscoe, driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, has openly shared his frustrations after the recent Championship 4 race, where the coveted Cup Series title eluded both him and his teammate Denny Hamlin. Despite their efforts, it was Kyle Larson of Hendrick Motorsports who ultimately clinched the championship, leaving Briscoe and Hamlin reflecting on what could have been.
Briscoe, who started the race with a respectable 12th-place qualification, watched as his teammate Hamlin soared to the pole position, clocking in an impressive 0.22 seconds faster. The stage was set at the one-mile track, but in a race filled with ups and downs, the duo from JGR could not convert their potential into a championship victory. As the race unfolded, Hamlin showcased remarkable skill, finishing the initial stage in third place while Briscoe fought his way to a tenth-place finish. The second stage saw Hamlin claiming the stage win, leading an astonishing 208 laps, while Briscoe climbed to seventh.
However, a critical pit decision marred Hamlin’s chances, allowing Kyle Larson to emerge victorious. After the race, a visibly disappointed Briscoe elaborated on his feelings in an interview with NBC Sports, stating, “Hate that one of us didn’t get it. I thought we were both certainly capable. This wasn’t our day. Go into next year and see if we can do a little bit better. (The season) was big. Just in the sense of you always think you can do it. You never really know if you can.”
While Briscoe finished the grueling 319-lap race in 18th place, Hamlin managed to secure a sixth-place finish. The disappointment was palpable within the JGR camp as they grappled with the reality of being so close yet so far from championship glory.
Adding to the drama, team owner Joe Gibbs recently opened up about the strategic decision that brought Briscoe on board as a replacement for Martin Truex Jr. in the #19 Toyota for the 2025 season. Gibbs expressed excitement about Briscoe’s potential, citing his speed and performance as key factors for the team’s future. “That’s what I—Gosh, this is exciting, because we always talk about speed. If there’s one thing the 19 has, it’s speed. They’ve been, you know, I think six poles more top five, and our starting average for us is first,” Gibbs stated, highlighting the high expectations for Briscoe moving forward.
The 2025 season has seen Briscoe rise to the occasion, notching three wins, 15 top-five finishes, and seven pole positions. As the dust settles on this season, the JGR team is left to ponder their missed opportunities and gear up for a fresh start in the next season. With Briscoe’s determination and Gibbs’ vision, fans are eagerly awaiting what the future holds for this dynamic duo. Will they finally capture the elusive championship? Only time will tell!
