LOUDON, N.H. — As the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs proceed, Chase Briscoe NASCAR Playoffs hopes face a critical test this weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Earlier in the postseason, Briscoe showed promise with two top-10 finishes, including a strong runner-up placing at World Wide Technology Raceway, while teammate Tyler Reddick followed up his early playoff success with less consistent results, finishing 15th and 16th in recent races.
The upcoming race at the one-mile New England track, known as the Magic Mile, marks the first playoff event at New Hampshire since 2017. Both Toyota drivers have experienced success on this flat, challenging circuit, viewing it as an essential opportunity to advance confidently into the Round of 8.
Reddick Poised for Consistency from Fourth Position
Tyler Reddick will start Sunday’s race in the No. 45 Toyota from fourth place, aiming to continue his string of top-10 results since joining 23XI Racing. Despite New Hampshire not historically being one of his strongest tracks, Reddick has adapted well to the Cup Series cars over recent years.
I feel like, if you look at my career, you know, growing up, this was not one of my better tracks,
Reddick commented.
“But I feel like over the last couple of years in the Cup Series, for me, whether it was the old car or this Next Gen car, it seems like we’ve been able to make things work good. It’s not like a track I’ve gotten super comfortable at yet, but the speed’s been on our side.”
Tyler Reddick, NASCAR Driver
Reddick’s qualifying pace reflected his strengths, though he acknowledged the stiff competition ahead.
We find a way to finish good. So it was nice to see qualifying go that way. I thought I may have been able to do a little bit more to beat (Josh) Berry, but, yeah, I don’t think I could have beaten Logano today. So fourth is a good disparity. Stage points will be important tomorrow and that’s what we need to do.
Tyler Reddick, NASCAR Driver
Briscoe Faces Challenges Starting in 18th Place
Chase Briscoe will begin the New Hampshire race further back in the 18th position, presenting a tougher path compared to his Toyota colleague. His previous strong finish at this track last year was partly aided by weather, but outright speed at this circuit remains a challenge for him.
Last year, you know, I had to have it rain. I was going to run 30th if it didn’t rain,
Briscoe admitted.
So hopefully it’ll rain tomorrow. I don’t, I don’t think that’s quite in the forecast, but I mean, definitely this place, if it rained, I feel really good about it. For whatever reason, this place has always just been a huge struggle for me, whether it’s Trucks or Xfinity or, you know, in my Cup career, too. I mean, the 19 car certainly feels better, but I’m still the weak link, I feel like this weekend. Just got to really try to figure out tonight what I need to do and go look at data and video, and just really try to be as best prepared as I can for tomorrow, to try to be the best we can be.
Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
Leaning on Joe Gibbs Racing’s Track Insight
Briscoe benefits from the extensive knowledge accumulated by Joe Gibbs Racing, particularly insights from former No. 19 driver Martin Truex Jr. Truex Jr. has consistently excelled at New Hampshire, reaching the top 10 in five of six starts with a win in 2023, providing a strong performance blueprint for Briscoe.
I mean, everywhere else, I definitely feel like, you know, the tracks that have been good for the 19 have kind of been good regardless for us this year, but this one’s definitely been a struggle,
Briscoe said.
So yeah, just try to do my end tonight and tomorrow, just trying to be as best prepared as I can. I know that they’re going to get the car better for me as well. But yeah, certainly this has been a track that’s been really good for just JGR in general.
Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
He noted the surprising drop off in speed compared to previous performances, observing the whole team might be feeling less competitive than usual.
I think today was kind of surprising for all of us. From a speed standpoint, I haven’t talked to any of my teammates yet, but it definitely seemed like we weren’t as strong as what we’ve been, you know, as a company in the past. So that’d be interesting.
Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
Anticipating the Round of 12 Showdown at New Hampshire
As the Round of 12 begins at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the stakes are high for both Briscoe and Reddick. Briscoe’s need to overcome his qualifying position and past struggles contrasts with Reddick’s steadier form, setting up a critical test for their postseason trajectories. With playoff points and track position crucial, their performances will shape their chances of advancing deeper into the Cup Series playoffs.
Success here could solidify momentum toward the Round of 8, while difficulties may raise pressure for adjustments in upcoming races. How well both drivers utilize team strategy, data, and adaptation to the demanding flat track will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
