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Stewart-Haas Racing’s Ace Chase Briscoe Hopes for NASCAR’s Dirt Comeback

Published 03/15/2024, 8:28 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

After Kevin Harvick’s retirement, if there’s anyone Tony Stewart can rely upon, it’s none other than Chase Briscoe. Driving the No. 14 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Stewart Haas Racing, Briscoe has managed to garner two top-10 finishes for the team in the last 4 Cup series races. With his overall performance, the driver has managed to score 83 points, placing him in the 19th position in the cup series standings. While his other teammates are lagging behind. Noah Gragson placed 26th, whereas Josh Berry and Ryan Preece are squashed in the 30’s.

As the fifth race of the 2024 Cup Series approaches, the NASCAR community is excited about the return of dirt-free racing at Bristol Motor Speedway. However, Chase Briscoe, having talked with Dustin Long of NBC Sports, provided his preference for dirt tracks over concrete. On the contrary, he wishes NASCAR could come back to race on dirt, maybe some other tracks, if not Bristol.

Chase Briscoe with Mixed Emotions on NASCAR’s Return to Bristol’s Concrete

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The SHR No. 14 expressed varied feelings about NASCAR’s return to Bristol Motor Speedway’s concrete surface. While acknowledging the excitement of racing at Bristol, Chase Briscoe revealed his preference for dirt tracks. Reflecting on the upcoming race, Briscoe expressed, “Bittersweet for me. I obviously rather run the dirt race.

Withstanding his preference for dirt tracks, he acknowledged Bristol’s allure, describing it as “a really cool opportunity” and “one of the more fun race tracks.” However, Chase Briscoe regretted the absence of a dirt race, stating, I personally think we need to have a dirt race. I don’t know if it has to be a Bristol. I think we could go to somewhere else like that. But, that not to have the dirt races is kind of tough.”

He reflected on his previous dirt race at Bristol, expressing confidence in his ability to contend for top positions. Despite his reservations, the driver of the No. 14 Ford Mustang remained hopeful for a strong performance this weekend, stating, “Hopefully, we can have speed next week. You know, versus one of those weird tracks for us.”

He further added, “We’ve always been pretty quick but we just don’t run very good in the race so hopefully we can kind of find what we’ve been missing there over the last couple of years and uh yeah put a good day together.” 

His performance in the last three Food City Dirt Races

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The upcoming Food City 500 race was previously known as the Food City Dirt Race, following the use of red Tenese clay on the tracks. NASCAR preferred racing dirt at Bristol in 2021; the previous dirt race in NASCAR’s history took place in the year 1970.

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Chase Briscoe has taken part in all three Cup Series dirt races held at the Great Colosseum. Talking about his performance on the last dirt track race, Briscoe managed to score a top-5 finish, starting from pole position 14th. He finished Stage 1 at 7th rank and Stage 2 at 6th, finally concluding the race with a P5 finish.

In the 2022 Food City Dirt Race, Chase Briscoe started in the top 5, showcasing a brilliant racecraft. He managed to lead 59 laps and also came in first in the Stage 2 standings of the race. However, adversity hit him in the last stages of the race, allowing him to finish in 22nd place. He finished only one rank higher than he did in 2021, when he finished 23rd.

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Bristol Motor Speedway: Weather, Odds, TV Schedule, Qualifying, Prize Money for the NASCAR 2024 Food City 500

As the weekend approaches, racing fans and enthusiasts will eagerly await the showdown at the Great Colosseum. Chase Briscoe, along with Stewart-Haas Racing, needs to showcase a thrilling performance in the next race, regarded as their lack in the previous races.

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Written by:

Susamay Dey

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Susamay Dey is a NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports. Combining his passion for writing and motorsports, he has gone on to pen down numerous articles on Stock Car Racing's fan favorites, like Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, and Bubba Wallace. While his strength lies in Core Sport reporting, he can also cover lifestyle pieces, enlightening fans about the lesser-known facts about NASCAR stars and their personal lives.
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Edited by:

Shivali Nathta