Chase Briscoe delivered a career-defining performance in the NASCAR Cup Series during 2025, elevating himself to new heights with Joe Gibbs Racing in his first year behind the wheel of the No. 19 Toyota. Briscoe’s remarkable surge, highlighted by three victories and a trip to the Championship 4, marks the Chase Briscoe 2025 season review as one of the most talked-about stories in the sport.
After Stewart-Haas Racing closed its doors, Briscoe secured a highly anticipated move to Joe Gibbs Racing, taking over from veteran Martin Truex Jr. With James Small as his crew chief, Briscoe entered his fifth Cup Series campaign facing high expectations and intense scrutiny. He did not disappoint, capturing three wins, 15 top-five finishes, and leading 884 laps—smashing his previous career bests. His standout season placed him third in the final standings, firmly establishing him as a championship contender.
Key Moments: Southern 500 Success and Playoff Heroics
Briscoe’s ability to thrive under pressure came to the fore early in his time with Joe Gibbs Racing. He defended his Southern 500 crown on Labor Day weekend, starting on the front row and leading an astonishing 309 laps. Sweeping all stages of the event, he reinforced his reputation as a driver for the big moments. This feat cemented his status among the 2025 favorites for the title, capturing attention around NASCAR.
Consistent speed was another hallmark of Briscoe’s 2025 campaign. He took a Cup Series-best seven pole positions, including a hot streak of three consecutive poles at top tracks: the Coca-Cola 600, Nashville, and Michigan. His first victory in the new ride came at Pocono Raceway, thanks in part to clever fuel management and strategic brilliance from his team.
Breakthrough Performances and Notable Achievements
Statistically, Briscoe’s season rewrote much of his personal record book. The 884 laps led and 12.7 average finish both marked significant improvements, propelling him up the championship standings. Notably, in spite of his pole-winning prowess, he was unable to convert any of his seven starts from the pole into victories. His highest tally of laps led from a pole came at Iowa Speedway, where he controlled 81 circuits, adding a touch of irony to a dominant year.
Briscoe’s push into the playoffs was relentless. He qualified for the postseason for the third time in his career and clinched his first berth in the Championship 4 after a pivotal victory at Talladega midway through the Round of 8. Arriving in Phoenix with a car fast enough to challenge for the title, unfortunate flat tires ultimately led to an 18th-place finish, securing third place in the final season rankings.
Pressure and Performance: Briscoe’s Mindset and Quotes
Throughout the season, Briscoe’s mental toughness stood out as a key to his breakout year. After winning the Southern 500 in August, he described his approach to high-stakes racing:
“I’ve always just loved high-pressure situations. I feel like I just perform better for whatever reason. I feel like my whole career has always been a high-pressure situation, right? Like, there was no backup plan. You might only get one race you had to go perform and show your worth. I’ve always felt like I mean every week, I feel like I’m still auditioning to prove that I belong here. Certainly, the higher the pressure, the better I feel like I do.”
— Briscoe on competing in the brightest lights after his August Southern 500 win.
Future Outlook for Briscoe and the No. 19 Toyota Team
Finishing third in the championship has reshaped expectations for Chase Briscoe and the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19 team as they set their sights on 2026. With a consistent display of speed and competitive edge during the second half of the year, Briscoe has emerged as a credible candidate to capture his first Cup Series title. As the new season approaches, the team is poised to pursue the Bill France Cup, aiming to extend Briscoe’s momentum and secure the championship that now feels within reach.
Observers across NASCAR will be watching closely to see if Briscoe and crew chief James Small can continue building on this breakthrough campaign, as the 2025 season has firmly established Chase Briscoe as one of the drivers to watch at every major event.
