In last weekend’s NASCAR Cup race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the prowess of driver Briscoe was evident as he consistently vied for the lead and displayed the potential for a race-winning performance.
However, his hopes were dashed when he incurred damage in a clash with Ryan Blaney while jockeying for position early in the final stage.
Despite finishing 21st, the solid sixth-place finish by teammate Noah Gragson underscored the noticeable improvement in performance for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) compared to the previous season.
Reflecting on the race, Briscoe noted, “Before (the incident) I thought our car was pretty good. We weren’t good enough to win, but we were definitely a fifth to 10th place car fairly easily. We were able to pass a lot of cars.”
He expressed satisfaction with his car’s handling prior to the incident but lamented the drop in performance following the collision.
Looking ahead, the series moves to Phoenix this weekend, a track where Briscoe has historically excelled. His inaugural Cup win occurred at Phoenix two seasons ago, showcasing his prowess in dominating fashion. With three top-seven finishes in his last four starts at the 1-mile oval, Briscoe remains optimistic about his chances.
Despite his success at Phoenix, Briscoe acknowledges the need for continued improvement, stating, “I definitely still have a lot to learn when it comes to Phoenix, just trying to make my car do things that it doesn’t necessarily want to do.”
Adding to the challenge this weekend is the introduction of a new aerodynamic rules package for road courses and most short tracks around one mile in distance.
With limited on-track testing, drivers face uncertainties about the package’s impact. Briscoe anticipates a more hands-on driving experience, expecting increased maneuverability and the potential for more dynamic racing.
As drivers adapt to the new rules package, Briscoe remains optimistic about its potential to enhance competition on short tracks. He looks forward to the upcoming race at Phoenix and the opportunity to showcase his skills in a changing racing landscape.
