WATKINS GLEN, N.Y.: Chase Briscoe isn’t concerned about entering Sunday’s Go Bowling at The Glen below the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff cutline.
The driver of the No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford suffered a massive shunt–and subsequent DNF (did not finish) — in last Sunday’s Quaker State 400 at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway.
A stunning win the weekend before at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway propelled the 29-year-old racer into the Round of 16 with Briscoe eyeing an opportunity to compete in the Championship 4 at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway in November.
With momentum on his side, Briscoe looked to be one of the favorites to advance from the Round of 16 to the Round of 12. Now, Briscoe enters the penultimate race of the Round of 16 last amongst the Playoff drivers in 16th and 21 points behind the cutline in 12th.
Known for being a driver who thrives under pressure, Briscoe isn’t approaching his annual trip to the Finger Lakes of New York with trepidation. Instead, he’s treating Sunday’s race like a non-Playoff race and attempting to earn the best finish possible.
“Honestly, like being 21 out, like I don’t really feel this crazy amount of pressure like I was,” said Briscoe Saturday morning at Watkins Glen. “I figured we were going to be 40-something points out, truthfully, and only be 21 out, like it was kind of reassuring that it’s not really that, that bad.”
One reason for Briscoe’s confidence is that several Playoff drivers have been able to make up a similar shortfall with strategy, stage points, and a good finishing position during the postseason.
All of those situations are possible for Briscoe who enjoys competing at Watkins Glen.
“You know, guys do it all the time. You know, I want to say two years ago, when we were first, we were 21 out going into the cut race, and we advanced by nine points. So, yeah, we just have to go and control,” Briscoe added.
“We can control the next two weeks. Stage points are obviously going to be premium for us. And you know, if we can win a race, great. but we have to score a lot of points.
“And you know, if the points are enough at the end, then it’ll be enough, but all we can do is, you know what we can do, and hope that we put up enough points.”
The Mitchell, Ind. native knows that strategy will vary on Sunday and while earning stage points may not be easy, he knows a strong finish will help the cause.
“You know, road courses are kind of unique in the sense of, we need stage points, right? But through road courses, it creates this huge opportunity for people to flip the stage, and it also creates the opportunity, when everybody flips the stage, all the Playoff guys will just stay out, so you’re not gonna really gain, I don’t feel like a whole lot of points, so that’s the hard part about road racing,” explained Briscoe.
While Briscoe is optimistic about his race on Sunday, he believes next Saturday night’s Cup race at Bristol will provide another opportunity to throw a Hail Mary if needed.
“But I do feel like the road racing stuff has always been something I’ve been pretty decent at, and certainly our stuff’s been pretty good on the road courses,” sounded Briscoe. “So, I think it’s a good opportunity for us. You know, I like our chances at Bristol probably a little bit more, truthfully, but this is a place that doesn’t really worry me coming into this weekend.“
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