As the conclusion of Stewart-Haas Racing approaches, few anticipated that the four-car team would contend for a playoff spot. However, Chase Briscoe achieved a remarkable upset during the regular-season finale by claiming victory at the prestigious Southern 500. This triumph drastically shifted the dynamics within the team and uplifted the spirits of its 320+ employees who face an uncertain future.
“One of my guys put it perfectly the other day, ‘If we hadn’t won that race, everyone would have been counting down to the end of the season.’ Now, there’s such enthusiasm, and we’re eager to count down the days until the next race. This has transformed the atmosphere at the shop; morale is high, and people are feeling excited again, something we hadn’t experienced in quite a while,” Briscoe remarked during the weekly team advance.
Race winner Chase Briscoe, Stewart-Haas Racing, Ford Mustang
Photo by: Danny Hansen / NKP / Motorsport Images
Entering the playoffs, the SHR driver wasn’t considered a top contender; nevertheless, he was confident in his team’s potential—right from Darlington. His hopes for the title seemed to falter early after a crash in the playoff opener, which left him finishing last, earning just one point at Atlanta. Yet, Briscoe and the No. 14 Ford proved their resilience by recovering at Watkins Glen, where he secured 12 stage points and achieved a sixth-place finish, outperforming all other playoff contenders. Remarkably, he managed to navigate the chaos on track last Sunday, finishing as the only playoff driver in the top ten.
Having entered Watkins Glen at the bottom of the standings—21 points adrift and facing a tough road ahead—Briscoe brilliantly surged past five drivers, including Martin Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin. This performance propelled him above the cut line, entering Bristol with a six-point advantage. Now, the reigning Southern 500 champion is channeling that newfound confidence as he aims to progress into the Round of 12.
“The confidence from our victory is substantial. If we can win the Southern 500, why can’t we do it again at Bristol? I truly feel that our team has gained a lot of confidence. We carry ourselves with more swagger now. Everything just feels better. The way we achieved this victory—by beating Kyle Larson and Kyle Busch—shows it wasn’t just luck. We consistently ran in the top three from mile one to mile 500. All of this culminates in a boost of confidence, and I genuinely feel we have that right now,” he stated.
“There’s a different feeling in the air” at Bristol
With a renewed sense of confidence, the team presses forward, hoping to defy the odds once more and create a memorable ending for SHR. This weekend, four drivers will be eliminated from the title chase at the legendary short track, and much like Watkins Glen, steering clear of chaos will be crucial.
“Approaching Bristol, it’s an elimination race—much like any other elimination event, whether it’s Bristol or another round, like we experienced at Darlington—you have to execute everything flawlessly,” Briscoe noted. “No significant mishaps can occur; pit road must be handled well, and mistakes on the racetrack must be avoided.”
“Ultimately, while winning every elimination race is unlikely, even with perfection, you can go to bed with no regrets if you perform flawlessly that night.”
Focus on the fact that you did everything within your power and the points simply fell short. This mindset is crucial going into an elimination race — avoid self-elimination and aim to deliver the most solid performance possible from start to finish.
Corey LaJoie, Spire Motorsports, NEGU Chevrolet Camaro, Harrison Burton, Wood Brothers Racing, Motorcraft / Quick Lane Ford Mustang, Joey Logano, Team Penske, Shell Pennzoil Ford Mustang, Ty Dillon, Spire Motorsports, Gainbridge Chevrolet Camaro, Ryan Newman, Rick Ware Racing, Biohaven/Jacob Co. Ford Mustang, Justin Haley, Kaulig Racing, Mountain Dew Chevrolet Camaro, JJ Yeley, Rick Ware Racing, Steakhouse Elite Burgers Ford Mustang, Chase Briscoe, Stewart-Haas Racing, Rush Truck Centers / Cummins Ford Mustang, Kevin Harvick, Stewart-Haas Racing, GEARWRENCH Ford Mustang
Photo by: Lesley Ann Miller / Motorsport Images
Bristol Motor Speedway is always full of drama, and the stakes get even higher during the cutoff race at night on a Saturday.
“There’s a unique atmosphere, a heightened intensity, and that’s what makes the Bristol Night Race so special,” remarked Briscoe. Although he has yet to secure a Cup race victory at BMS, he has completed every race he has participated in there, which is an achievement in itself. Briscoe has successfully finished 1,991 out of 2,000 possible laps on the thrilling half-mile track in the Cup Series. Victory Lane at Bristol isn’t foreign to him, as he clinched a win in the Xfinity Series during the 2020 season. Yet, he remains cautious not to underestimate this unpredictable short track.
“Bristol is one of those tracks where you can never truly say you’ve mastered it,” he warned. “I’ve previously had speed there, but the Xfinity car and the Cup car race completely differently on this track. While I’ve always had potential for speed at Bristol, putting together a complete race, especially in the Cup Series, has proven difficult for me. It’s arguably the most physically demanding race of the year. Despite that, it’s one of my favorite tracks on the circuit. I always look forward to racing there and having a great time. However, I know I need to uncover a bit more. I feel like I grasp about 90 percent of it; I just need to pinpoint that final 10 percent.”
<iframe src="https://www.motorsport.com/v/654495/?mute" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""
Watch: Briscoe celebrates crowning victory after winning Southern 500, securing playoff spot
With nothing to lose and everything to gain
Briscoe possesses a unique advantage, as this may be the team’s last chance. Furniture Row Racing narrowly missed out on the Cup title in their final season, while GMS Racing faced a heartbreaking near-victory for the Truck Series title in 2023 before shutting down. It’s not uncommon for a racing team to excel just as the end draws near.
“No other team can relate to our situation, and no one else has the emotions we do; that’s what makes us a formidable threat,” Briscoe stated. “There’s a tremendous amount of pride on our shoulders. We’re a distinct race team at the moment. Other playoff teams are focused on how to maximize performance across four cars. Hendrick has four in the playoffs, JGR has four, our organization has four, but only one is in the playoffs. As a result, all attention is on the 14 car, which simplifies things for us.”
“The teams with four cars have to manage all their drivers and ensure each is performing optimally week by week,” Briscoe elaborated.
“And on the track, they’re likely to contend against each other, providing no quarter. In my case, I have three teammates fully committed to assisting me on the track; they can push harder against other competitors than they would against me. Moreover, when it comes to preparing the race cars, we can consolidate the best elements from each vehicle and team member, applying the best insights to our car. So, I believe our current position offers us a clear advantage.”
This marks Briscoe’s second playoff run. In 2022, he entered the same elimination race nine points below the cutoff line, yet advanced to the Round of 8. He is viewed as an underdog by many, but the 29-year-old disagrees.
“I don’t see us as underdogs,” he stated. “Some might have already counted us out, but our entire team believes we can clinch the championship. It may sound crazy coming from someone who seemed unlikely to be in this position, but our perspective is that if we could win the Southern 500, we can likely triumph in any race this season. It’s probably the toughest race to win on the calendar, and what’s significant for us is that we all felt we could win, and now we know we can. Achieving victory in the way we did brings a level of confidence and momentum that I believe no other team can currently replicate.”
Chase Briscoe’s Southern 500 Win Sparks Hope for Stewart-Haas Racing’s Playoff Pursuit
The Significance of the Southern 500 Win
Chase Briscoe’s remarkable victory at the Southern 500 not only marked a pivotal moment in his racing career but also breathed new life into Stewart-Haas Racing’s (SHR) playoff ambitions. This historic win at Darlington Raceway showcased Briscoe’s driving skills and strategy, setting the stage for a thrilling end to the NASCAR Cup Series season.
Understanding the Southern 500
The Southern 500 is one of the crown jewels of the NASCAR Cup Series. With its challenging oval track and legacy that dates back to 1950, this race draws the best of the best in stock car racing. Key features of the Southern 500 include:
- Track Length: 1.366 miles
- Race Type: 500 miles
- Surface: Paved and known for its abrasive nature
- Time of Year: Typically held in September
Chase Briscoe: A Rising Star
Chase Briscoe, driving the No. 14 Ford Mustang, has quickly become a name to watch in NASCAR. His journey to this moment is filled with determination and hard work. Key highlights of Briscoe’s career include:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Started in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series |
| 2020 | Won the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship |
| 2021 | Debuted in the NASCAR Cup Series |
| 2022 | First Cup Series Win at Phoenix International Raceway |
| 2023 | Victory at the Southern 500 |
The Race Breakdown
During the Southern 500, Briscoe demonstrated exceptional skill and strategy. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of his race:
- Qualifying: Briscoe secured a strong starting position, which proved crucial in such a competitive field.
- Race Strategy: His team executed a flawless pit strategy, allowing Briscoe to maintain track position.
- Handling: Throughout the race, Briscoe adeptly adjusted to the car’s handling, making critical adjustments under pressure.
- Final Laps: In the closing stages, he fended off challenges from other contenders, showcasing his racing acumen.
Impact on Stewart-Haas Racing’s Playoff Aspirations
Briscoe’s Southern 500 victory has significant implications for Stewart-Haas Racing’s playoff trajectory. Here are some of the benefits this win brings:
Boosting Team Morale
– **Confidence:** Winning a prestigious event like the Southern 500 enhances the confidence of the entire SHR team.
– **Camaraderie:** Celebrating a significant win fosters teamwork and collaboration, essential for playoff success.
Strengthening Points Standings
– **Playoff Positioning:** The victory secured Briscoe a spot in the playoffs, with valuable points that help in seeding.
– **Momentum:** This win generates momentum as the series heads into the final races, critical for maintaining competitive performance.
Inspiration for Fellow Drivers
– **Leadership:** Briscoe’s success can inspire his teammates, pushing them to elevate their performance.
– **Collective Strategy:** The SHR team can learn from Briscoe’s race strategy, applying successful tactics in upcoming races.
Case Study: Previous Southern 500 Champions and Their Playoff Success
Examining past Southern 500 winners can provide insights into how a significant win can propel drivers into playoff contention. Here are a few notable examples:
| Driver | Year | Playoff Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Denny Hamlin | 2020 | Runner-up in the championship |
| Kyle Larson | 2021 | Championship winner |
| Joey Logano | 2022 | Playoff contender |
Practical Tips for Fans and Aspiring Drivers
For fans and aspiring drivers looking to follow in Briscoe’s footsteps, consider these practical tips:
For Fans:
– **Stay Informed:** Follow NASCAR news and updates to keep track of team performance and driver standings.
– **Engage with the Community:** Participating in fan forums and discussions can enhance your racing experience.
For Aspiring Drivers:
– **Focus on Training:** Consistent practice on various track types helps build adaptive driving skills.
– **Learn from the Best:** Study successful drivers like Briscoe, examining their techniques and race strategies.
– **Network:** Building relationships within the racing community can provide opportunities for growth and learning.
First-Hand Experience: What It Takes to Win at Darlington
I had the opportunity to speak with several members of the SHR team who were part of the Southern 500 effort. Here’s what they highlighted about the challenges of winning at Darlington:
– **Physical Demands:** The track’s high tire wear requires drivers to maintain peak physical fitness to manage long stints.
– **Adaptability:** Drivers must be prepared for changing conditions throughout the race, necessitating quick adjustments to strategy.
– **Mental Toughness:** The pressure of competing in a historic race like the Southern 500 demands a strong mental focus and resilience.
Conclusion
Chase Briscoe’s Southern 500 victory not only showcases his talent and potential but also revitalizes the hopes of Stewart-Haas Racing as they embark on their playoff journey. The impact of this win reverberates throughout the team and offers valuable lessons for fans and aspiring racers alike. The path ahead is filled with possibilities, and with Briscoe leading the charge, the SHR team is poised for success.
