Briscoe Confident, Shakes Off Underdog Label for Phoenix Cup Championship
Chase Briscoe, one of the four contenders for the NASCAR Cup Series title, is embracing his role as an underdog. With the championship race set for Sunday at Phoenix Raceway, Briscoe insists he does not see himself as a long shot, despite the odds suggesting otherwise.
Briscoe’s Playoff Performance
This season, Briscoe has stood out during the playoffs. Out of nine races, he has secured eight top-10 finishes while leading for a total of 562 laps. His impressive performance has earned him 337 points, more than any other competitor until a recent engine issue at Martinsville Speedway affected his standing.
- Points Earned: 337
- Top-10 Finishes: 8 out of 9 races
- Laps Led: 562
A Competitor with Wins
Briscoe is one of only two title contenders with multiple wins during the postseason. He clinched victories at Darlington Raceway and Talladega Superspeedway. The other driver with two wins is Denny Hamlin, who won at St. Louis and Las Vegas. Briscoe believes the competition among the contenders is strong, noting that execution is crucial.
DraftKings Odds and Championship Insights
As of now, DraftKings has released championship odds placing Denny Hamlin at +235, followed by Kyle Larson and William Byron at +350. Chase Briscoe sits at +310, making him the only first-time contender in the Championship 4.
Pressure and Expectations
Briscoe reports feeling little pressure leading into the championship race. “Nobody really expected us to be here,” he said. This season has surpassed initial expectations, focusing more on securing a win rather than achieving a championship.
Road to Refinement
During his inaugural season with Joe Gibbs Racing, Briscoe faced challenges adjusting to a new car and manufacturer. It wasn’t until he secured his first win at Pocono Raceway in June that he began to feel confident. By August, he believed in his team’s potential to compete for the championship.
Experience at Phoenix Raceway
Briscoe’s previous experience at Phoenix has been mixed. He crashed in the spring race this year, resulting in a 35th-place finish. However, he also achieved his first NASCAR Cup Series victory at this track in 2022.
With the championship on the line, Chase Briscoe aims to capitalize on his season’s successes at Phoenix Raceway. His underdog status may just fuel his determination as he seeks to prove himself among the elite in NASCAR.
