Chase Briscoe remains grounded as he enters the playoff race, describing his mindset as “just another week” rather than a high-pressure event. Despite recent wins, Briscoe said he and his crew chief, James Small, have not shifted focus or held any discussions about the Playoffs, maintaining a consistent approach to each race as an opportunity to compete and succeed.
Staying Focused on the Track Rather Than the Bigger Picture
Briscoe explained that, unlike what might be expected, he does not feel the Playoffs starting or apply any extra weight to the situation. He emphasized that his routine at the race track remains unchanged, offering a calm and steady outlook. This mindset reflects a balanced approach, keeping stress low and performance consistent.
The Role of Curiosity in Monitoring Playoff Progress
Though Briscoe treats each race like any other week, he admits to enjoying keeping track of the Playoff scenarios on a personal level.
“I love knowing. Just the fan in me,”
he shared. Briscoe often asks his crew chief James Small questions about standings, even if those inquiries can sometimes lead to lighthearted tension. He also keeps an eye on the big screen during caution periods to stay informed about other drivers’ progress.
“Yeah, I love knowing. Just the fan in me. I like to know what is going on and what guys are racing for. I just like knowing what is going on. So yeah, I’ll ask James (Small, crew chief) all of the time. We’ve not really been in that situation yet, but I think Jeff was asking me the other week, I can just ask him a random question and James is tense all of the time, he’ll jump me. (laughter) I’m sure at some point it is coming over the course of the next nine weeks – him telling me I need to stop worrying about everyone else, but I just love knowing. So yeah, I’ll definitely be asking for sure, and I’ll be checking out the big screen under caution to kind of know what is going on.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR driver
Looking Ahead in the Playoff Race
Briscoe’s approach to the playoff race mindset illustrates a reflective and focused athlete determined not to be distracted by external pressures. As the season progresses, this steady attitude could prove vital for consistent performance. With the next nine weeks of racing ahead, Briscoe is likely to continue balancing personal curiosity about the standings with a primary focus on winning each race.
