Sunday, December 28, 2025

Chase Briscoe Scores First Cup Win, Raising Banner Amid Joe Gibbs Racing’s Pocono Dominance

Chase Briscoe earned his first NASCAR Cup Series win on June 22, 2025, at the Great American 400 held at Pocono Raceway, marking a significant breakthrough since joining Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). Team owner Joe Gibbs was present to celebrate as Briscoe’s name was added to JGR’s iconic banner wall inside their Huntersville shop, symbolizing the organization’s recognition of his achievement.

Briscoe’s successful fuel-saving strategy during the race helped him secure the victory, paying off after months of strong performances but no wins. This triumph also highlighted his growing synergy with JGR after leaving Stewart-Haas Racing.

JGR’s Banner Ceremony Reflects Team’s Culture and Success

Joe Gibbs Racing has a longstanding tradition of commemorating each Cup win with a banner that hangs in their shop, representing both pride and motivation for the entire team. Earlier in the season, teammates Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin had each earned three wins, resulting in six banners. Briscoe’s addition marks the continuation of this winning culture within the team.

During the ceremony, Briscoe expressed gratitude towards the team and reflected on the coaches and crew who supported his entry into the winner’s circle.

“Kevin Harvick used to always tell me all the time, ‘You can’t drive a slow car fast,’ and you guys definitely give us fast cars every week. So, just thank you so much. It’s an honor and a privilege for me just to be able to add my name to the list of drivers that have won for coach (Joe Gibbs) and the entire organization. So, hopefully the first of many,” Briscoe said. —Chase Briscoe

Before this victory, Briscoe had recorded five top-five finishes and four pole positions during the season, but the win had not yet materialized. Owner Joe Gibbs noted the collective effort required for such accomplishments:

Chase Briscoe
Image of: Chase Briscoe

“It takes everybody to get a win like this and just appreciate Chase’s first go around with us. We’re already up on the wall—five poles, four or five top-fives—and now a win. So let’s hang a banner.” —Joe Gibbs

With this win, the only JGR driver without a Cup victory this year is Ty Gibbs, Joe Gibbs’ grandson.

Dominance at Pocono Raceway Strengthened by Briscoe’s Win

Joe Gibbs Racing has established a remarkable record at Pocono Raceway, often referred to as their stronghold. Over the last 13 Cup races at the track, JGR has secured seven wins, five poles, and placed 16 cars in the top 10. Chase Briscoe’s latest victory has extended that dominance at the so-called “Tricky Triangle.”

Starting from sixth on the grid, Briscoe maintained a leading role for much of the race, skillfully defending his position under pressure from teammates Denny Hamlin and competitors like Ryan Blaney of Team Penske. Despite a near setback on the final pit stop—when he left the pit box before fuel was fully serviced—Briscoe managed to conserve enough fuel to finish strong, guided by crew chief James Small.

Joe Gibbs praised the team’s performance throughout the race and acknowledged the intense effort involved in pulling off the win:

“I want to talk a little bit about the team—the 19 team. James (Small), fantastic job making the calls there… I think we ran out during the burnout, did we? Yeah. So really close. Everybody was sweating that. Big call there. Pit crew at the 19 group, I got to tell you, working their rear end off this year and they have gradually kept coming, coming, and coming.” —Joe Gibbs

Briscoe led for a race-high 72 of 160 laps, ultimately winning by 0.682 seconds over teammate Hamlin. The performance was part of a strong day for JGR, with all four of its Cup cars finishing inside the top 20—including Ty Gibbs in 14th and Christopher Bell in 17th.

Impact of Briscoe’s Win on JGR’s 2025 Playoff Picture

This first Cup victory for Chase Briscoe not only celebrated an individual milestone but also solidified Joe Gibbs Racing’s competitive position for the remainder of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. With Briscoe joining Hamlin and Bell as designated playoff competitors, the team has secured three spots in the postseason. Briscoe’s breakthrough win showcases his rising status within the sport and reflects JGR’s depth of talent and strategic strength.

Looking ahead, this momentum at Pocono and throughout the season positions both Briscoe and Joe Gibbs Racing to continue challenging for wins and adding to their legacy in NASCAR.