Countdown to Daytona 2026 - 3 Days

By Adam Carabine

Counting down the final 30 days to the 2026 Daytona 500, we are looking at last year's Top 30 drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. Today's driver: Chase Briscoe

Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images

No. 19 Car – Joe Gibbs Racing

2025 Stats

Standings	3rd
Wins	3
Points	5,019
Stage Points	184
Stage Wins	6
Laps Led	884
Lead Lap Finishes	32 (tied 1st among all drivers)
Average Finish	12.7
DNFs	4
Races since last win	2

What Does Success Look Like in 2026?

Briscoe had a breakout year last year, his first with his new team, JGR.  Briscoe showed great promise down in the Xfinity Series before coming up to Cup, but it felt like maybe there was something missing (it might have been good equipment).  Briscoe had a career-high three wins in the Cup Series last year.  It might be hard to expand on that for 2026, but certainly he has set a high bar for himself at JGR, and success will be based on how well he measures up to that.

Best-Case Scenario in 2026?

While I think Briscoe has the equipment to challenge for a championship, it might still be early days for him at JGR to push for one this year.  Though he made it to the Final Four last season and had a chance at the championship just by virtue of being in the final race, he probably needs to tighten up some loose strands before regularly competing for a championship – though I could be wrong.

Most Likely Outcome in 2026?

I think Briscoe has a bit of a JGR-sophomore slump and wins less than three, but still qualifies for The Chase and has an opportunity to finish in the Top 5 of the season standings.

Bold Prediction?

Briscoe has won the Southern 500 twice in a row now, I’ll say he does it a third time!