CONCORD, N.C.: In his first NASCAR Xfinity Series race of the season in a collaborative effort between B.J. McLeod Motorsports and Stewart-Haas Racing, Chase Briscoe certainly made his presence known Saturday at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway.
The Mitchell, Ind. native led 60 laps in his No. 99 Production Alliance Group Ford Mustang – but his race unraveled in the closing laps of the Alsco Uniforms 300.
While trying to keep Joe Gibbs Racing’s Ty Dillon at bay for the race lead, Briscoe’s car got loose off Turn 2 on Lap 182 sending his Ford Mustang spinning down the backstretch. Luckily, he did not hit the inside wall and was able to refire his car and continue on at the back of the lead lap pack.
Out of fresh Goodyear tires, the BJ McLeod Motorsports team put on the freshest scuff tires they had at the pit stall, sending Briscoe back into competition just outside the top-20.
Over the final 18 laps and one caution to put him closer to the competition, Briscoe was able to hustle to a solid sixth-place finish.
“That last run we just weren’t as good,” said Briscoe. “We were really good the two previous runs and we tightened up and the track tightened up as well and I was just struggling to even maintain my lead. I knew about lap 10 of that run I was gonna be in trouble just because I was already building tight.
“Ty (Gibbs) was gonna get me, I think, either way. “It’s unfortunate. I don’t know if he got into me or not, I haven’t seen it yet, but unfortunate that we ended up running sixth instead of second.
On the heels of his first NASCAR Cup Series top-10 finish last weekend at Circuit of the Americas, Briscoe said it was fun to return to the Xfinity Series in a current one-race deal.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity as always,” added Briscoe. It’s always fun to come back in the Xfinity Series. It was cool to have Production Alliance Group back on the car and Tex-a-Con and all the people that allowed me to do this race.”
Even though he didn’t get his 12th career Xfinity Series victory Saturday, he said can’t complain because he put everything on the table.
“Wish we could’ve gotten to Victory Lane, frustrating to lead that many laps and come away sixth but that’s part of it,” sounded Briscoe. “He was going for the win, I was going for the win, can’t complain either way.”
The performance was Briscoe’s best at Charlotte in four starts – eclipsing a personal best of 11th in 2018.
Briscoe qualified 21st for his inaugural Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Cup Series race Sunday evening.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
