Chase Briscoe experienced an emotional victory at the Southern 500, a significant race in the NASCAR season, which he described as a “crown jewel.” The win came during a crucial moment for Briscoe and his Stewart-Haas Racing teammates, who are preparing for the team’s final season in NASCAR. This victory not only marked his first win of the season but also served as a vital opportunity to secure a place in the playoffs.
Reflecting on the win, Briscoe noted the desperation that fueled his performance. “We kept saying all week, we got one bullet left in the chamber. That bullet hit,” he said. His journey to the front during the race was dramatic; he made his move from fourth place with 26 laps remaining, overtaking competitors like Ross Chastain and Kyle Larson. Once he seized the lead, he maintained it until the checkered flag, reminiscent of racing legends like Dale Earnhardt.
Despite Briscoe’s triumph, Kyle Busch, who finished strong but couldn’t secure the lead, was a significant figure in the race. He acknowledged the difficulties of racing against dirty air as he attempted to challenge Briscoe in the final laps. This marks the first time Busch has missed the playoffs since 2012, although he remains hopeful for a win in the coming weeks to extend his streak of at least one victory per season.
Among those heading into the playoffs, Kyle Larson secured a lead in the standings but faced a setback in the quest for the regular-season championship, losing out to Tyler Reddick by a single point. Reddick’s performance earned him a valuable 15-point bonus, partly due to Larson’s missed opportunities earlier in the season.
As the NASCAR playoffs approach, only nine of the 16 drivers appear to be serious contenders for the championship, with drivers like Larson, Christopher Bell, and Tyler Reddick emerging as strong candidates. Meanwhile, non-winners like Ty Gibbs and Martin Truex Jr. are at the bottom of the playoff grid, seeking their first victories.
Looking ahead, NASCAR announced its 2025 schedule, which features both traditional tracks like North Wilkesboro and Bowman Gray Stadium as well as new venues, including a race in Mexico City. The inclusion of these locations reflects NASCAR’s efforts to appeal to both long-time fans and newer audiences, as well as to tap into different markets with a strong auto-racing following.