SPEEDWAY, Indiana — In the days leading up to the NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 on July 27, Chase Briscoe of Joe Gibbs Racing experienced a rare moment of reflection during his drive home from a simulator session. The native of Mitchell, Indiana, allowed himself to picture a major achievement: winning the Brickyard 400 at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This unusual daydream gave Briscoe goosebumps and hinted at a breakthrough opportunity for the driver, fueling hopes for his first victory in this prestigious event.
Briscoe’s Deep Connection to Indiana Racing Heritage
Growing up in a small town in southern Indiana, Briscoe admired his racing idol Tony Stewart, a fellow Hoosier and two-time winner at the Brickyard, who took the checkered flag in 2005 and 2007. The night before the race, Briscoe found himself drawn into watching Stewart’s 2005 Brickyard win, immersing himself in the celebration and imagining what such a triumph would feel like from a hometown perspective.
“You’re just watching his celebration and everything,”
Briscoe said.
“I just kind of put myself in that moment. As an Indiana guy it’s just different, like I don’t know how to explain it.”
—Chase Briscoe
The emotional connection to the state and its fans adds a personal layer of significance to Briscoe’s chance at glory.
Setting the Stage with Pole Position at Indianapolis
Briscoe’s momentum built further when he secured the pole position for the Brickyard 400, edging out competitor Bubba Wallace in qualifying on July 26. This marked his fifth pole position of the NASCAR season and made him the first driver in history to claim pole position for the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, and Brickyard 400 all in the same year.
“The Daytona 500 one was cool, going three in a row was cool, but being able to set on the pole here is just so special,”
Briscoe said.
“I got out of the car, and hearing the crowd screaming – I don’t have that happen anywhere else.”
—Chase Briscoe
Despite the added spotlight at his home track, Briscoe expressed confidence rather than pressure going into race day, emphasizing the support he feels from the Hoosier fan base.
He explained how racing at Indianapolis offers an extra boost for drivers connected to Indiana, sharing conversations with Stewart about the unique experience of performing in front of passionate local fans. Briscoe highlighted that the Hoosier crowd is unlike anywhere else NASCAR races, often erupting loudly when a local driver competes well.
“I think a lot of it is because of the Hoosier fan base gets behind you unlike anywhere else. There is no other race track that we go to, when I hear a driver from that state does the crowd go nuts. It is different in the state of Indiana, and for me to be that guy for the fans here, it is just really, really cool.”
—Chase Briscoe
Honoring Indiana Racing History and Family Inspiration
Returning home to Mitchell during the week, Briscoe balanced the demands of race preparation with personal events, including attending his sister’s wedding. He also visited the newly renovated Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, where he viewed racing artifacts, including Tony Stewart’s No. 20 car from the historic 2005 Brickyard win.
“I took a picture of it, and I sent it to him and said ‘hopefully another Hoosier can win 20 years later,’”
Briscoe recalled, reflecting on the passing of a racing legacy and his aspiration to add his name to Hoosier history.
Imagining Victory and Celebrating Like a True Hoosier Champion
Should Briscoe cross the finish line first on race day, he already envisions a passionate celebration that reflects his roots and the local support he cherishes. He plans to share the moment fully with family and fans by celebrating around the track and pausing to acknowledge his loved ones.
“You would see all the stuff, all the stops,”
Briscoe said.
“I’d be climbing the fence and stopping where my family was sitting (in turn 1) and doing all the things.”
—Chase Briscoe
His anticipated win would mark an important milestone not only for Briscoe but also for Indiana motorsports, as Hoosiers and adopted locals would then account for nine victories out of 29 at the prestigious Brickyard 400, further cementing the state’s influence in NASCAR history.
Looking Ahead: The Possible Rise of a New Indiana Racing Star
As Sunday’s race looms, Chase Briscoe stands on the verge of joining Tony Stewart and other Indiana legends in NASCAR history. With his strong qualifying performance, connection to the local fan base, and personal motivation rooted deeply in his hometown pride, Briscoe is shaping up as a genuine contender for a breakthrough Brickyard 400 win. His success could inspire future drivers from the region and affirm Indiana’s lasting presence on the NASCAR stage.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why was Chase Briscoe suspended?
A. Chase Briscoe faced a penalty for making an illegal change to his car’s spoiler base. NASCAR deducted 100 points and 10 playoff points from Briscoe. Joe Gibbs Racing also received a $100,000 fine. James Small, Briscoe’s crew chief, was given a four-race suspension. Joe Gibbs Racing intends to challenge the penalty.
Q. Why is Chase Briscoe suspended?
A. In May 2023, Briscoe, who drives the No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford, faced an L3-level penalty. Officials found a fake part in his car, which led to losing 120 points in both driver and owner standings. Additionally, he lost 25 playoff points.
Q. Where will Chase Briscoe end up?
A. In 2025, Chase Briscoe will move to Joe Gibbs Racing, which has won championships, to drive the No. 19 Toyota Camry XSE after Martin Truex, Jr. retires.