Chase Briscoe Reflects on Southern 500 Victory as He Returns to Darlington
DARLINGTON,S.C.— Chase Briscoe is set to return to Darlington Raceway for the Goodyear 400 this weekend,carrying with him the fond memories of his dramatic southern 500 victory last September. The win, secured with a late, three-wide pass, not only gave Stewart-Haas Racing a shot at the championship in their final season but also considerably elevated Briscoe’s standing within the NASCAR community.
A Win That Changed Everything
Briscoe acknowledges the profound impact of winning at Darlington, a track widely regarded as one of the most challenging on the circuit.”The confidence that came from winning that race, even the respect level in the garage… Everything changes after you win at Darlington, let alone the Southern 500. People just look at you differently,” Briscoe stated.
The “Too Tough To Tame” Challenge
Darlington, often called “Too Tough To Tame,” presents a unique challenge to drivers. Briscoe’s victory, where he held off two-time NASCAR champion Kyle Busch, is considered a career achievement, a sentiment echoed by other past Darlington winners. William Byron,who won the spring event in 2023,understands the prestige,noting,”It feels good knowing you can make it around this place to win. It’s always been a track all drivers want to win on.”
Adjusting to Joe Gibbs Racing
Looking ahead, Briscoe is adapting to his new role at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) for the 2025 season. He recognizes the higher expectations and demands compared to his previous team. “you’re expected to go and win and be in the mix, and if you’re not, it’s a huge disappointment,” he explained. His teammates,christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin,have already secured four wins out of seven NASCAR races this season,setting a high bar.
Early Success and Future Aspirations
Despite the adjustments, Briscoe has shown promise, securing Toyota’s first-ever pole for the Daytona 500 and achieving two fourth-place finishes at Daytona and Homestead. Coming off a ninth-place finish at Martinsville, Briscoe is eager to contribute to JGR’s success. “It’s the kind of place I’m excited to hopefully be at for a long time,” he said. “The capability of the car is there, and that’s exciting for me as a driver.”
Considering the high expectations at Joe Gibbs Racing, how is Briscoe balancing the pressure to win immediately with the long-term goal of building a successful partnership with the team?
Chase Briscoe: Q&A on Darlington and His New Chapter
Get ready to dive deeper into the world of Chase Briscoe as he gears up for the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. This Q&A breaks down key moments and new challenges for the NASCAR star.
Q&A
Q: What makes winning at Darlington raceway such a big deal?
A: Darlington is known as “Too Tough To Tame” for a reason! winning there is a career achievement because of the track’s difficulty and the prestige associated with it. It’s a track that all drivers dream of conquering. The article highlights that winning at Darlington elevates a driver’s standing in the NASCAR community.
Q: What was so special about Briscoe’s Southern 500 victory last September?
A: briscoe’s win was a dramatic, late three-wide pass. It not only gave Stewart-Haas racing a shot at the championship, but also showcased Briscoe’s skill and determination. This victory is considered one of the sport’s “crown jewels” [[1](https://apnews.com/article/nascar-darlington-chase-briscoe-60ee47b5ea0dd980ea94ed50eb10a33a)].
Q: How is Briscoe adjusting to Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) in 2025?
A: Briscoe is adapting to the higher expectations at JGR, where winning is the norm. His new teammates,Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin,have already set a high bar. Briscoe acknowledges the pressure and the need to perform and be a contender.
Q: What early successes has Briscoe had with Toyota?
A: Briscoe secured Toyota’s first-ever pole position for the Daytona 500 and achieved two fourth-place finishes at Daytona and Homestead. These early achievements show he is adapting well to his new team and is eager to contribute to JGR’s success.
Q: What’s next for Briscoe at Darlington?
A: Briscoe is returning to Darlington for the Goodyear 400, bringing with him the confidence from his Southern 500 victory. He is excited about the potential of the car and is looking forward to a long and successful career with JGR.
Catch the Goodyear 400 this weekend and see if Briscoe can add another Darlington victory to his notable resume. The race is sure to be a thrilling spectacle!
