In the NASCAR universe, fortunes can change swiftly. And there was a time when Chase Briscoe found himself at a crossroads. It was late 2019, and his dreams of racing glory seemed on the verge of crumbling. A promising career that had seen him rise through the ranks was suddenly threatened by what felt like an insurmountable barrier: the search for sponsorship. With a single call from his team, the weight of uncertainty bore down on him, leaving him wondering if his time on the track was about to end.

But as fate would have it, an unexpected encounter would alter the course of his career forever. Little did he know that a simple stroll across a Las Vegas street, guided by a chance meeting with a fan, would set in motion a series of events that might just save his racing dreams. In the unpredictable realm of NASCAR, sometimes it takes a small twist of destiny to pave the way for a remarkable comeback.

The fan that saved Briscoe’s future

Chase Briscoe had his first Cup Series win in 2022, becoming the 200th winner in the series. In his Xfinity career, he had 11 wins, And in his Truck Series career, he won Homestead-Miami in 2017. He has raced a large part of his life with the now-closed-down Stewart Haas Racing. However, 2019 was the sophomore year for the race car driver who had won one race that season. He was looking forward to a better next year, but bad news was on the horizon.

“At the end of the year, we really start getting going. I probably should have made the final four, but I got crashed with two go in the race lead… I am excited that 2020 is going to be this great year. This is December… SHR calls me and says, don’t know how to tell you this, but if you don’t find any amount of funding at all, like the next week… you are not gonna be back here next year,” Briscoe revealed on the Dinner with Racers podcast.

But, since he didn’t have any funding, he was hanging by a thread. Little did he know that a fan was set to change his fortunes. At this time, his father was in Las Vegas. As he walked out of a restaurant, wearing a hat numbered 98, Chase Briscoe’s Xfinity series car number, he took a turn to cross paths with a fan who came out of Buffalo Wild Wings and recognized the number. When his father asked the man if he was on a race team, the man said he was a big fan of Stewart Haas.

Briscoe added, “My dad introduced himself (as Briscoe’s father) and then he (the fan) then started talking. ‘Truthfully, just really appreciate how you have raised your son. Appreciate what he stands for. Love to help him somehow. If he ever needs help in the business room or the board room or whatever, here is my card.'” Briscoe then revealed that the fan was the CEO of Highpoint.com.

“So, literally, my career is over. My dad happens to be walking out of this restaurant and turns right. CEO walks out of BWs and turns left… My dad sends me a picture of the card. And, I send it to SHR. I said, ‘Hey, look, I know we only have a week. My dad just ran into this guy. He is a CEO. Maybe give him a call’,” Briscoe said. However, before anyone gets excited, let’s tell you there’s a plot twist.

If Chase Briscoe is to be believed, SHR did call the man only to be told “I’m telling you right now I’m not sponsoring a race car.” He had previously been approached by Joe Custer, Cole Custer’s father, too. However, Mike Mendiburu, Highpoint CEO, said he just liked watching the races and is not interested in sponsorships.

But thankfully, SHR didn’t give up. “SHR is talking to him… look, let me just paint a picture for you. Pretty much if you don’t do anything, Chase’s career is over… We know you probably think what NASCAR costs. Ford is not one to pay the whole bill. If we get anything, that can make a huge difference in this kid’s career,” Briscoe added.

That changed Mendiburu’s heart. “Mike’s like, I have no idea why I’m doing this, but it seems like lord’s calling me to do it; alright, I am gonna do it,” Briscoe added. The rest, as they say, is history. Despite a COVID-marred 2020 season, Briscoe starred for SHR in the Xfinity Series and ended up winning 9 races. By 2021 he was promoted to the Cup Series and secured the Sunoco Rookie of the Year.

Fast forward to 2024 and Briscoe was without a team again with SHR shutting shop because of financial constraints. However, Joe Gibbs Racing noticed his talent and added him to their roster. Briscoe will replace Martin Truex Jr. in the #19 car. MTJ retired full-time from racing following the 2024 season.

Chase Briscoe feels the pressure for 2025

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Chase Briscoe was the first person to get a place in the super solid Joe Gibbs Racing after SHR’s closing announcement. He will be racing for JGR in the upcoming Cup season along with #20 Christopher Bell, #11 Denny Hamlin, and #54 Ty Gibbs. Well, the ride with the 4-car chartered team definitely comes with pressure. But, is Briscoe ready?

“I love the pressure side, but I do think this is probably the most pressure I’ve ever been (under) in my life, as far as professionally,” Briscoe said via NASCAR, “I feel like this is one of those opportunities where if you don’t perform, like, there’s no excuses. Like, you have to perform at JGR. So from that standpoint, it is different because everywhere else, there’s really not been that expectation.”

In 2024, Chase Briscoe secured a place in the postseason by winning at Darlington. This was more than just a win, it was a fitting farewell to SHR, ensuring their legacy stays alive with a win in their last season and a trip to the playoffs. Despite a fruitless playoff run, Briscoe will be determined to prove himself at JGR with the level of talent surrounding him. What are your expectations for Briscoe in 2025?