Chase Briscoe continues to impress in the NASCAR Cup Series with his Chase Briscoe Richmond Racing Performance improving significantly after switching to Joe Gibbs Racing. Since joining the team, he has benefited from enhanced equipment, superior management, and detailed data analysis, all contributing to his recent success. With a victory at Pocono Raceway and currently sitting eighth in the playoff standings, Briscoe has begun to silence early doubts about his capabilities behind the wheel of Martin Truex Jr.’s former #19 car.
Consistent High Performance and Pole Positions Define Recent Months
Since competing at Kansas Speedway in May, Briscoe boasts the highest average Driver Rating among full-time NASCAR drivers at 98.1. For three consecutive months, he has been the top performer in the Cup Series, showcasing exceptional speed. Driving the #19 Camry, he has earned five poles in this stretch, including a streak of poles at Charlotte, Nashville, and Michigan, as well as consecutive poles at Indianapolis and Iowa. His 10.0 average starting position leads all drivers this season, reflecting his ability to transfer qualifying speed into strong track positions.
Edge at Richmond Remains Elusive for Briscoe
While Briscoe’s recent form is promising, Richmond Raceway remains a hurdle in his season. The track has historically been a challenge for both Briscoe and the #19 car. Truex Jr., the previous driver of the #19, secured only three wins in 37 starts there and averaged a 15.6 finishing position last season. Briscoe’s own record at Richmond includes eight starts with an average finish of 16.8, no wins, and no top-10 results. His best finish came in 2023 when he placed 11th after starting 20th.
Optimism and Preparation Fuel Briscoe’s Confidence for Richmond
Despite the struggles, Briscoe remains hopeful about improving his performance at Richmond. Reflecting on his challenges, he stated,
“I’ve never ran in the top 10 here. It’s been one of my worst tracks. But so is Sonoma, and that was one of the 19’s best tracks, too. So, I don’t know. I feel like it’s been hard for me to even really read into statistics of the past for me, just because it’s so different now, just the potential and the capability of the car.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
He further acknowledged the difficulty the track poses but emphasized progress, saying,
“This place is definitely been a struggle for me. It’s just been a place I’ve always kind of felt like a fish out of water to a certain extent, but over the course of the last two years, especially, I feel like I made big gains.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
Briscoe has dedicated time to improving his Richmond performance by completing 400 laps in the simulator recently. His focus has been on refining his technique and mimicking the lines taken by the fastest drivers at the track. His immediate goal is to harness this preparation and deliver results during this weekend’s race.
Looking Ahead: Briscoe’s Potential Impact on the Season
Chase Briscoe’s enhanced Richmond racing performance could be pivotal as the NASCAR playoffs advance, particularly as the track has been a barrier to his consistent success. If he can translate his recent form and simulator work into a strong finish, it would mark significant growth for both him and Joe Gibbs Racing. This will also reflect well on the team’s ability to optimize the #19 car’s potential across various tracks, potentially improving Briscoe’s championship prospects and solidifying his status as a leading driver in the Cup Series.
