MARTINSVILLE, VA. – As the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Martinsville Speedway for the Xfinity 500 on Sunday, November 3, at 2 p.m. EST, all eyes will be on Chase Briscoe, driver of the No. 14 Mahindra Tractors Ford Mustang Dark Horse. This will mark Briscoe’s eighth career start at the iconic .526-mile oval, where he has shown remarkable improvement over the years.
Since his Cup Series debut at Martinsville in April 2021, when he finished 27th, Briscoe has made significant strides. After placing 22nd in his second appearance, he has not finished outside the top 10 in his last five races at the track, culminating in a strong fourth-place finish last October. His best performance came earlier this season, where he led a total of 109 laps, only to finish fifth after a fierce battle for the lead.
Briscoe has accumulated a total of 142 laps led at Martinsville, primarily during his last four starts. His consistent performance positions him as a strong contender in this weekend’s race, especially considering his recent form.
“The more you run at Martinsville, the better you get,” Briscoe said. “It’s a unique track where your technique can carry you once you figure it out. We’ve led a lot of laps and have been close to winning, so we’re hoping to finally bring home that grandfather clock trophy.”
The physical demands of racing at Martinsville cannot be overstated. With drivers on the brakes over a thousand times during a race, Briscoe described the experience as grueling. “After last fall’s race, I could barely bend over to take my shoes off. The braking is intense, and the mental focus required is immense,” he explained. The introduction of the NextGen car has only added to the challenge, increasing the physical workload on drivers.
Briscoe also highlighted the importance of simulation training in preparing for the unique challenges of Martinsville. “The simulator can be tough because of the many variables involved, but we’ve made significant strides in our preparation, which has translated to success on the track,” he noted.
Regarding on-track contact, Briscoe offered insight into the fine line drivers navigate at Martinsville. “It’s hard to determine what’s acceptable until you’re in the moment,” he admitted. “If you get held up, you eventually feel the need to move someone out of the way.”
Navigating pit road at Martinsville poses its challenges due to the narrow lanes and tight boxes. “It’s always crowded, and the speed changes make it tough. That’s why you see so many speeding penalties,” Briscoe commented.
As the Xfinity 500 approaches, Briscoe remains focused on improving his past performances. With the support of Mahindra Ag North America, celebrating 30 years in the U.S. tractor market, he’s ready to make a strong push for victory. Will this be the race that finally sees Briscoe take home the coveted grandfather clock? Fans will have to tune in to find out.
