WATKINS GLEN, NY – NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Briscoe is preparing for a pivotal moment in his 2024 season as he heads to Watkins Glen International for the Go Bowling at The Glen on Sunday. This race marks the second event in the 10-race NASCAR Playoffs and is crucial for Briscoe’s championship hopes.
After a dramatic win in the regular-season finale at Darlington Raceway, which secured his spot in the playoffs, Briscoe faces an uphill battle. A last-place finish in the opening playoff round at Atlanta Motor Speedway has left him 21 points behind the top-12 cutoff, ranking him last among the 16 playoff drivers.
“We need to maximize our day and score as many stage points as possible,” Briscoe said. “I feel like we can win. I’m excited for the challenge.”
The Watkins Glen race presents unique challenges this year:
- It’s the first time the venue has been part of the NASCAR Playoffs.
- Changes to the track’s curbing may alter racing lines.
- A new tire compound is expected to impact performance over long runs significantly.
Driving the No. 14 HighPoint.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Stewart-Haas Racing, Briscoe has had mixed results on road courses in his Cup Series career. While he’s scored five top-10 finishes across various road courses, his best finish at Watkins Glen was ninth in 2021.
The 29-year-old Indiana native believes his background in dirt track racing gives him an edge on road courses. “Just how you have to really slide the car around and hustle the car is very similar to dirt racing,” Briscoe explained.
As the NASCAR Cup Series tackles its fourth of five road-course races this season, Briscoe emphasized the importance of qualifying well. “If you don’t make the final round, you instantly know your Sunday will be a challenge,” he stated, highlighting how difficult passing has become with the current generation of cars.
With only two races remaining before the playoff field is reduced from 16 to 12 drivers, Briscoe knows every lap at Watkins Glen is crucial. While not necessarily in a must-win situation, a strong performance is essential to keep his championship hopes alive.
The Go Bowling at The Glen is scheduled for Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Watkins Glen International in New York.
