Chase Briscoe earned the pole position for the upcoming Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, July 27, marking his fifth pole of the NASCAR Cup Series season. The achievement is especially meaningful for Briscoe, who grew up in Mitchell, Indiana, just 70 miles from the iconic 2.5-mile track, and has long dreamed of competing there.
Briscoe’s new pole position allows him to lead a competitive field of 39 elite drivers at one of NASCAR’s premier events. The race will be broadcast at 2:00 pm ET via TNT Sports, IMS Radio Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
Briscoe’s Journey from Local Fan to Pole Winner
Having grown up near the famous speedway, Briscoe’s connection to the venue runs deep. He recalls receiving his first racing uniform at a brick building in Turns 1 and 2 at Indianapolis, a cherished memory that fueled his ambition to race on the track he once admired from the grandstands. Now driving the No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing in his rookie season with the team, he has made significant strides in his racing career.
“Just being from really 70 miles down the road and coming here as a kid, I mean I got my first uniform in racing, as you drive out the tunnel in [Turns 1 and 2] there’s a brick building, that’s where I got my first ever uniform,” said Briscoe. “Just dreaming about coming to this place and sitting in the same grandstands all the fans are. I mean, I was dreaming about being on the other side of the fence and now to be able to do that is unbelievable.” —Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
This pole position marks Briscoe’s third in a crown jewel event following poles at the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600, underscoring his rising presence in high-stakes races.
Strong Contenders Preparing for Race Day
Following Briscoe, Bubba Wallace will start second for 23XI Racing. Wallace is currently battling Ryan Preece to secure his place in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Erik Jones starts third, aiming to secure a victory that would guarantee his postseason entry. Tyler Reddick and Ty Gibbs complete the top five starters, with Gibbs also competing against Ty Dillon for the $1 million prize in the In-Season Tournament; Dillon’s starting position is 26th.
William Byron will begin the race in sixth place as he seeks to maintain his lead in the regular-season points standings. Byron’s teammate and main rival, Chase Elliott, has struggled in qualifying and will start from 30th position.
The seventh to tenth starting spots are held by Chris Buescher, Carson Hocevar, AJ Allmendinger, and Austin Cindric, respectively. Shane Van Gisbergen, who finished in the top five at last year’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race in Indianapolis, achieved his best oval qualifying result in 11th place.
Practice Session Incident and Its Impact
Denny Hamlin, the fastest driver during NASCAR Cup Series practice, appeared poised to challenge for the pole until a crash in Turn 2 disrupted his run. Hamlin’s No. 11 Progressive Insurance Toyota Camry XSE suffered heavy damage after hitting the outside wall and subsequently the inside barrier, forcing the team to prepare a backup car for the Sunday race. The Chesterfield, Virginia-native will now start 39th, complicating his pursuit of the final crown jewel victory.
The Brickyard 400’s Significance and What Lies Ahead
Securing the pole position at the Brickyard 400 is a monumental moment for Chase Briscoe, connecting his childhood aspirations to his professional accomplishments. Starting at the front places him in a favorable position to contend for a major victory on the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, potentially elevating his status in the NASCAR Cup Series.
With a strong lineup of drivers facing off, including championship leaders and playoff hopefuls, the race promises intense competition. Briscoe’s hometown roots and exceptional qualifying performance add a compelling storyline to an event steeped in tradition and prestige, setting the stage for an exciting race day.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why was Chase Briscoe suspended?
A. Chase Briscoe got a penalty for changing his car’s spoiler base against the rules. NASCAR took away 100 points from Briscoe and 10 playoff points. Joe Gibbs Racing received a $100,000 fine. Briscoe’s crew chief, James Small, was suspended for four races. Joe Gibbs Racing intends to challenge the penalty.
Q. Why is Chase Briscoe suspended?
A. Chase Briscoe, driving the No. 14 car for Stewart-Haas Racing, received a severe penalty in May 2023. Authorities found a fake part in his car, leading to a loss of 120 points in both driver and owner rankings and a reduction of 25 playoff points.
Q. Where will Chase Briscoe end up?
A. In 2025, Chase Briscoe will become a part of Joe Gibbs Racing, a team with a history of winning championships. He will drive the No. 19 Toyota Camry XSE, replacing Martin Truex, Jr., who is retiring.