NASCAR drivers may be fearless on the track, but when it comes to popping the big question, things can get hilariously complicated. Joe Gibbs Racing’s newest recruit, Chase Briscoe, recently shared the chaotic and endearing story behind his proposal to his wife, Marissa, proving that even the fastest drivers can hit unexpected speed bumps.
A Dog, Vomit, and a Misunderstanding
Briscoe, who’s set to drive the No. 19 car for JGR in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, planned a heartfelt proposal involving their dog, Ricky. The idea was simple yet touching: a ring hidden on the dog’s collar as he brought Ricky to Marissa’s father’s house. But the plan quickly veered off course.
“Five minutes from her dad’s house, Ricky throws up all over me,” Briscoe recounted, laughing at the memory. Despite the mishap, he cleaned up and pressed on, but things only got more chaotic when he arrived.
Marissa, seeing Ricky, thought Briscoe was surprising her with the dog. “She just kept saying, ‘Oh, you got me a dog!’ And I’m like, ‘Look at the collar!’” Briscoe said. “She didn’t hear me, and it took a while before she noticed the ring.”
Eventually, the misunderstanding cleared, and Marissa said yes, turning what could have been a disaster into a moment they’ll laugh about for years.
A Hike Gone Awry: A Daytona 500 Winner’s Proposal Struggles
Another NASCAR star, the 2023 Daytona 500 winner, had his own proposal fiasco. His plan was to pop the question during a romantic hike, but his now-wife, Madyson, nearly derailed it by refusing to leave the car.
“She’s like, ‘It’s too cold; you all just go!’” the driver shared. “I had to convince her, like, ‘No, you need to come with us.’”
Thankfully, she eventually joined the hike, allowing the moment to go as planned. The near-miss has since become an inside joke in their relationship, adding a unique touch to their love story.
From the Track to Their Hearts
For Briscoe, 2024 has been a whirlwind year of personal and professional milestones. After leaving SHR, securing their last Cup win, and joining Joe Gibbs Racing, his life off the track saw a significant change as well. He and Marissa welcomed twins in October, marking the start of an exciting new chapter.
Why Proposal Fails Make Love Stronger
The humor and humanity behind these NASCAR proposal stories highlight that even elite athletes aren’t immune to life’s unpredictable moments. Whether it’s cleaning up after a vomiting dog or convincing a partner to leave a warm car, it’s often the unplanned chaos that makes these moments truly unforgettable.
For Chase Briscoe, his dog’s unexpected contribution and Marissa’s misunderstanding only made their engagement story sweeter—a tale they’ll undoubtedly share (and laugh about) for years to come.
