Chase Briscoe secured a memorable triumph by winning the Southern 500 at Darlington, one of NASCAR’s most prestigious races, marking his second victory at this iconic event. This time, his celebrations carried a deep sense of joy, as he shared the moment closely with his wife and son Brooks right on the track.
Briscoe fondly recalled holding his son while still wearing his helmet, setting him down on the hood of the No. 19 Toyota Camry so Brooks could raise a finger to the crowd, signaling their number one status.
He joked that the video of Brooks would become a treasured keepsake for his son’s future girlfriend or wife to witness.
“In Victory Lane, he’s drinking a milkshake, high-fiving everybody, standing on the car. It’s pretty cool,”
Briscoe said.
Contrasting This Year’s Joy with Last Season’s Challenges
Briscoe noted the vivid difference between this year’s celebration and the one he experienced previously. Last year’s moment was marred by an unexpected mishap, where Brooks was accidentally hit in the face during a hug from Briscoe’s former crew chief Richard Boswell, which left the child in tears.
“He didn’t get to do the experience because he was so sad and crying because his face got punched,”
Briscoe recalled, emphasizing that this year’s victory felt far more fulfilling for his family.
He expressed his happiness about having his entire family present, including his twins who attended for the first time, and the special experience of letting Brooks ride along with him in the car, something Briscoe admired in other drivers like Harvick.
“For me and him, we’ve talked about doing that. It’s never worked out to where he’s either here or he’s been punched in the face, and he didn’t want to get in the car because he was so sad. Definitely was a special night from that standpoint.”
Securing a Strong Position in the NASCAR Playoffs
This win places Briscoe, driving the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) Toyota, at the forefront of the NASCAR playoffs, intensifying JGR’s pursuit of its first Cup Series championship since Kyle Busch’s successful run in 2019. While last year’s victory qualified Briscoe for the playoffs, this latest success pushed him directly into the Round of 12, raising the stakes significantly.
Starting from the front row, Briscoe dominated the majority of the race, leading 309 of the 367 laps and holding off strong challenges from competitors like Tyler Reddick. His control of the event reinforced his breakthrough status at Darlington, a track known for its difficulty and dubbed “Too Tough To Tame.”
Implications for Chase Briscoe’s Championship Aspirations
Briscoe’s Darlington victory not only cements his growing reputation as a top driver but also positions him as a serious contender for the season’s championship. Sharing this milestone with his family highlights how personal support plays a meaningful role in his racing journey. As the playoffs continue, his performance at this critical juncture will be closely watched, with hopes high that he can maintain this momentum towards a title run.
