At Sonoma Raceway in California, Chase Briscoe pushed hard to challenge Shane van Gisbergen during the final 13 laps of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 on Sunday. Despite multiple attempts to close the gap, Briscoe settled for second place, showcasing persistence against NASCAR’s dominant road-course driver. His strong performance emphasized his determination to compete at the highest level on a demanding track.
Final Laps Offered Both Challenge and Learning Opportunities
The closing stages of the race were marked by three caution periods, allowing Briscoe’s No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota to repeatedly get within striking range of van Gisbergen. Although Briscoe gave everything he had, he acknowledged the superior pace van Gisbergen maintained throughout.
I learned that he could still go a lot faster if he wanted to,
Briscoe said.
There was one time I felt like I made a push and got within, I don’t know, four or five car lengths, and he just drove right back away another five car lengths. So he definitely had more in the tank anytime he really wanted to.
Van Gisbergen’s Superior Technique Presents a Unique Road Course Advantage
Briscoe noted the technique van Gisbergen uses with his feet—shifting with his left foot clutch and executing heel-toe downshifts on the right foot—which is uncommon in NASCAR but gives van Gisbergen an edge on road courses. This intricate control method helps van Gisbergen carry more speed through braking zones and corner entries.
It’s just so foreign for what we do,
Briscoe remarked.
And that’s why I think on the ovals, he kind of struggles a little bit more because of how he’s using his feet, but that’s what’s natural for us, right? And it just is such an advantage on these road courses. So he does an incredible job. He’s an incredible race car driver, so I’m honestly proud of running second to that guy. I was even saying in my TV interview, I obviously never played basketball against Michael Jordan in his prime, but I feel like that is very similar to what it would be like. It’s just a lot of fun and proud to have ran second to him.
Briscoe’s Recent Performance Reflects a Rebound and Growing Momentum
Following a high point at Pocono Raceway on June 22 where Briscoe secured a victory, his next two outings were less successful with finishes of 35th at EchoPark Speedway and 23rd on the Chicago Street Course. Despite these setbacks, Briscoe remains one of only two drivers besides van Gisbergen to have won a NASCAR Cup Series race in the last five events. Sunday’s runner-up effort highlights his resilience and steady progress throughout the season.
I feel like I get overlooked a lot of the time,
Briscoe shared.
Hopefully we’ll be able to earn the respect of a lot of guys — not even all the drivers, but I think just everybody. I always felt like I was capable of doing it and the 19 car finally lets me show what I feel like I’m capable of. It’s just so fun to drive fast race cars.
Van Gisbergen Acknowledges Briscoe’s Competitive Drives
Van Gisbergen praised Briscoe for his approach during their close battles in the closing laps, noting the clean and determined challenges posed without reckless moves.
I knew Chase wasn’t going to do anything stupid, but he got really close at Turn 2 a couple of times, and he had a proper crack,
van Gisbergen said.
It was cool racing.
Briscoe’s 2025 Season Demonstrates Career Growth and Consistency
Through 20 races this year, Briscoe has achieved a career-best tally with seven top-five finishes and nine top-10 results, approaching last year’s nine top 10s. His average finishing position of 14.7 also surpasses his previous best of 17.3, marking 2025 as a standout season for the Indiana native in the NASCAR Cup Series.
I’m just super proud of this 19 team,
Briscoe said.
It took us a little bit at the beginning of the year to kind of find our stride. But I feel like we’re honestly as strong as any team in the field right now as far as just overall balance. Whether it’s a short track or road course or intermediate, I feel like we can go any single weekend and battle for the win. And it reminds me a lot, honestly, of when I was in Xfinity, and I haven’t had that ever in the Cup Series, so it’s a lot of fun.
Looking Ahead: Briscoe’s Ambitions and Competitive Spirit
Briscoe’s strong showing behind van Gisbergen at Sonoma underlines how his skills and confidence are building as the season unfolds. His acknowledgment of van Gisbergen’s exceptional talent reflects both respect and motivation to push forward. With consistent top finishes and a well-balanced team, Briscoe is positioned to continue battling for victories across various tracks, aiming to solidify his reputation within NASCAR’s elite ranks this year.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where will Chase Briscoe be in 2025?
A. In 2025, Chase Briscoe will become part of Joe Gibbs Racing, a team with championship wins. He will drive the No. 19 Toyota Camry XSE, taking over for the retiring Martin Truex, Jr.
