This article is one of four profiles focusing on the finalists—Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Chase Briscoe—who will vie for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship in Phoenix on Sunday.
Chase Briscoe found himself in tears during the final race of the NASCAR Cup Series season, but those tears weren’t from happiness. Instead, they came from the sadness of completing his last lap driving for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR). For Briscoe, driving the iconic No. 14 car, once piloted by his hero Tony Stewart, was meant to last his entire career. He believed if he proved himself a talented driver, he’d remain at SHR indefinitely. However, when SHR sold three of their four charters, it meant Briscoe’s time with the team was over.
Briscoe shared with FOX Sports how he had imagined retiring in the No. 14 car, a symbol tied closely to his childhood and heroes. Yet, as the chapter closed, he recalled crying on the grid, accompanied by his team members, after starting his final race for SHR.
Although initially uncertain about his future in the Cup series, Briscoe celebrated SHR’s final ride with a toast (sans alcohol) as he had built deep connections over six years with the team, including four years in the Cup series. Fast forward a year, and Briscoe is on the verge of possibly the happiest moment of his career. Now racing for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) in his first year with them, he has secured three wins, seven pole positions, and 15 top-five finishes—leading the series in the latter two categories.
Reflecting on the emotional journey, Briscoe acknowledged the surreal nature of leaving SHR only to now compete for a championship. Facing off against veterans like Larson, Hamlin, and Byron, Briscoe is making his first appearance in the Championship 4, standing out as the underdog among repeat finalists.
His progress hasn’t been without challenges. Earlier in the 2025 season at Phoenix, Briscoe qualified poorly and crashed early, feeling out of his depth with the new JGR car setup compared to SHR’s. Over time, he adapted and began winning, notably dominating at Darlington and claiming victory at Talladega. His crew chief, James Small, recognized his growth, viewing him as a serious contender for JGR’s first championship since 2017. Team owner Joe Gibbs admitted Briscoe’s rapid ascent exceeded expectations.
If Briscoe wins the championship, he predicts he’ll cry once again, but this time with joy. Despite celebrations, Briscoe plans to maintain his sobriety, despite encouragement from friends and family to partake in traditional post-win champagne.
This story was reported by Bob Pockras, a seasoned motorsports journalist with decades of experience covering NASCAR.
Fan Take: Chase Briscoe’s emotional journey from heartbreak at SHR to championship contender is a powerful narrative of resilience and determination that resonates deeply with NASCAR fans. His rise underscores the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the sport, showing that with hard work and opportunity, new heroes can emerge to shape NASCAR’s future.
