Chase Briscoe, a driver who advanced from dirt track racing to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series, has announced he will no longer race sprint cars. Briscoe, who drives the No. 19 car for Joe Gibbs Racing and recently secured a win at Pocono Raceway, is preparing for the NASCAR playoffs at Darlington Raceway but has decided to stop competing in dirt sprint car events due to safety concerns and family priorities. This decision came after his first full season racing sprint cars, which he started in 2024 after purchasing a sprint car team.
From Childhood Racing to Winning in NASCAR and Sprint Cars
Briscoe has deep roots in dirt racing, beginning his sprint car career at age 13 and maintaining his involvement alongside his NASCAR commitments until last year. Despite his success on the pavement, including his notable victory this season, Briscoe returned to racing on dirt tracks, competing in around 20 sprint car races in 2024. Although enthusiastic at first, the season’s risks took a toll on him.
Choosing Family and Safety Over Sprint Car Competition
In October, just as Chase and his wife Marissa welcomed twins, Briscoe reflected on the dangers he faced in sprint car racing. Injuries are common in the sport, with several drivers in the NASCAR community also suffering serious crashes. Briscoe recalled driving “kinda scared” during sprint car races, concerned about the possibility of injury, especially after seeing friends become paralyzed from crashes.
Briscoe described his final sprint car race at Bloomington Speedway, his childhood track, where despite having a competitive car, he finished only 5th or 6th. At that moment, he decided to stop racing sprint cars altogether.
“I just decided right there, I’m done. I’m not doing it anymore.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
He shared that his father wished he had known earlier that it would be his last race, saying it would have made the event more meaningful for him.
Reflecting on the Risks: An Engineer’s Story and Career Shifts
Briscoe also cited the story of DJ VanderLey, his former Xfinity Series engineer who was paralyzed in a sprint car crash. VanderLey’s situation, compounded by the challenges of awaiting a child during his recovery, deeply affected Briscoe’s outlook on driving sprint cars.
“DJ VanderLey, that got paralyzed. He was my engineer on the Xfinity car. I literally sat in front of him on the plane going there that weekend. He was telling me how him and his wife were pregnant and like that really kinda woke me up to what can happen.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
Despite stepping away from driving, Briscoe remains passionate about the sport and expressed interest in continuing as a team owner, although a lack of sponsorship has prevented him from doing so so far.
“I would love to own a team. But, as far as driving, I’m retired.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
Joe Gibbs Racing’s Shift on Dirt Racing Participation
Joe Gibbs Racing, the organization Briscoe races for in NASCAR’s top series, had previously banned its drivers from participating in dirt racing due to safety concerns. However, this ban was recently lifted, allowing drivers like Briscoe to compete in both arenas. Despite this change, Briscoe has concluded that continuing in sprint car races is too risky given his family commitments and personal concerns.
Impact and What Lies Ahead for Briscoe
Chase Briscoe’s decision to quit dirt sprint car driving highlights the ongoing tension between the love for racing and the realities of its dangers. As a driver in the NASCAR Cup Series entering the playoffs, Briscoe’s focus will remain on his career with Joe Gibbs Racing. His retirement from sprint car competition could influence other drivers to reconsider similar risks, especially those with growing families. Meanwhile, Briscoe’s enduring passion for dirt racing might eventually lead him to pursue a team ownership role, continuing his connection to the sport off the track.
