Chase Briscoe secured the pole position for the NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at Kansas Speedway, marking his seventh pole of the season. After a disappointing points finish at New Hampshire, Briscoe is aiming to build momentum on this familiar intermediate track by converting his pole into a potential win.
Briscoe and Team Show Dominance in Qualifying
This season, Chase Briscoe and his crew chief James Small have distinguished themselves as the top qualifiers on Saturdays, consistently outperforming the competition. Achieving seven poles so far is a testament to their skill and preparation. Their ability to deliver fast laps has been critical to Briscoe’s rise as a serious challenger in the championship battle.
Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) exhibited a strong presence in qualifying, placing all four of their drivers within the top eight. Although Kyle Larson demonstrated strong practice speeds, a caution during the session disrupted his data, making it harder to predict his qualifying outcome. Despite that, JGR clearly dominated the front of the grid, leaving Team Penske struggling this weekend as no Fords appeared in the top ten qualifiers.
Implications for the Playoffs and Briscoe’s Prospects
Chase Briscoe’s pole-winning run highlights the advantage his team holds in speed and setup knowledge at Kansas. Alongside qualifying strength, Briscoe’s recent performance on intermediate tracks has been impressive, including podium finishes at Homestead, Charlotte, and Kansas itself, as well as wins at Pocono and Darlington. This record gives him a solid chance to extend his playoff success with a second win on the horizon.
Another driver to watch closely is Denny Hamlin, who has also run well near the front in Kansas races this season. It remains uncertain whether this race will unfold as a wide-open competition typical of the Next Gen cars or a dominant performance like Kyle Larson’s in the spring. Regardless, the combination of Briscoe’s pole position and proven track speed makes this race one to watch intensely.
Chase Briscoe on the pole for the seventh time this season. Full NASCAR Cup Series qualifying results from Kansas playoff race: pic.twitter.com/mrRulMkEgQ
— Jonathan Howard
Team Performance and Challenges on the Track
Chase Briscoe’s pole is particularly significant given the absence of Fords among the top 10 qualifiers, indicating difficulties for Team Penske and others relying on Ford machinery. Meanwhile, JGR locked down the front row for both the Xfinity and Cup Series qualifying rounds, demonstrating their comprehensive understanding of the track and their vehicles’ capabilities.
The team’s consistency regardless of driver or car suggests a systematic approach to tuning and strategy that challenges competitors to keep pace. Briscoe’s ability to consistently produce top qualifying runs has been a major factor in his playoff performance thus far, especially with the increasing importance of track position in the Next Gen era.
If Briscoe converts this pole into a victory, pundits will struggle to find a contender capable of denying him a spot in the Championship 4. His current form and previous playoff win signal a strong possibility of continued success as the NASCAR Playoffs progress.
Expectations for an Exciting Kansas Showdown
The playoff race at Kansas promises to deliver high drama, with JGR’s front-running form and Briscoe’s impressive qualifying streak at center stage. Competing teams like Hendrick Motorsports remain in the hunt, with Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott lurking just behind the leaders. As drivers vie for critical playoff points, the race is shaping up to be a tense and strategic battle.
Although the final outcome is uncertain, Briscoe’s Kansas pole underlines his championship credentials and puts him in an ideal position to extend his momentum. Fans can anticipate a gripping contest as the playoffs intensify and drivers push hard for advancement toward the season’s ultimate prize.
https://twitter.com/NASCAR/status/1972013141618827550
Chase Briscoe on the pole for the seventh time this season. Full NASCAR Cup Series qualifying results from Kansas playoff race: pic.twitter.com/mrRulMkEgQ
— Jonathan Howard (@Jondean25) September 27, 2025
