AVONDALE, AZ – As the NASCAR Cup Series wraps up its thrilling season, the spotlight turns to Phoenix Raceway for the highly anticipated season finale on Sunday, November 10, at 3 p.m. EST. This pivotal event, marking Round 36 of 36, will take place on the 1-mile oval track, where drivers will compete in a total of 312 laps, covering a distance of 312 miles.
Chase Briscoe is a central figure as he prepares for his 144th NASCAR Cup Series start, which will also be his last with Stewart-Haas Racing. Earlier this year, the team announced it would cease operations after the season, making this race particularly poignant for Briscoe. The 29-year-old from Mitchell, Indiana, who has spent his entire Cup Series career with Stewart-Haas, has accumulated two wins, two poles, and 13 top-five finishes during his tenure.
Briscoe’s history at Phoenix is noteworthy, as he has four top-10 finishes in his seven starts at the track. His best performance came in March 2022, when he clinched his first Cup Series victory, becoming the 200th different winner in NASCAR history. He held off fierce competition, including Kevin Harvick, to claim a memorable win that solidified his place in the sport.
Briscoe Reflects on His Time with Stewart-Haas
As Briscoe looks back on his time with Stewart-Haas Racing, he expressed mixed emotions about the impending end of an era. “It’s definitely bittersweet,” he said, acknowledging the hard work of his team despite the challenging circumstances leading to the team’s closure. “Hopefully, we can go out on top. That would be the coolest thing, if you could win the final race.”
Briscoe’s past at Phoenix gives him confidence as he seeks to add to his statistics before moving to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2025, where he will take over the No. 19 car from retiring veteran Martin Truex Jr. His previous success at the track, coupled to finish strong for Stewart-Haas, adds extra motivation for the season finale.
Unique Aspects of Racing at Phoenix
The 1-mile layout of Phoenix presents unique challenges, particularly during restarts, where the potential for chaos is high. Briscoe shared insights into the complexities of navigating the track, especially when cutting through the dogleg. “It’s chaos, truthfully, every time we go there,” he noted, highlighting the necessity of quick decision-making amid the frenetic pace of the race.
With his impressive track record at Phoenix and the weight of this final race with Stewart-Haas Racing, Briscoe is poised for a dramatic conclusion to his season. Fans and fellow competitors alike will be watching closely as he aims to leave a lasting legacy with one last victory before embarking on a new chapter in his racing career.
