Chase Briscoe’s New Chapter: From Wendy’s Nuggets to the No. 19 Toyota with Joe Gibbs Racing
The NASCAR world is buzzing as Chase Briscoe steps into the No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) in 2024, replacing the retiring Martin Truex Jr. Briscoe’s rise to the top has been nothing short of phenomenal, marked by his 2016 ARCA Racing Series championship and a stellar run in the 2020 Xfinity Series. As Joe Gibbs welcomes his new star driver, Briscoe carries a wealth of experience, a hunger to succeed, and—famously—a rather unique pre-race ritual that once fueled his record-breaking wins.
The Secret Ingredient Behind Briscoe’s Success
While Briscoe’s career is defined by grit and talent, his 2020 Xfinity Series season showcased something extraordinary. Amid the challenges of COVID-19, Briscoe managed to win 9 races, including a historic victory at Kansas Speedway. His Las Vegas win, his 8th of the season, tied him with Jack Ingram and Sam Ard for the most wins by a non-Cup driver in 27 races. He also matched Carl Edwards for the most wins in a season by a Ford driver in the Xfinity Series.
But what fueled this dominance? Briscoe revealed his quirky pre-race ritual on a recent episode of ‘Dinner with Racers.’ According to Ryan Eversley, the podcast’s host, Briscoe regularly ate at the same Wendy’s in Mitchell, Indiana. Briscoe confirmed with a laugh, “Almost every one of those wins… I had 20 chicken nuggets, 2 junior cheeseburgers, large fries, and a large Dr. Pepper an hour before getting in the car.”
The pandemic made this unusual tradition possible, Briscoe recalled, “Covid was awesome. You didn’t have to be at the racetrack early; you just rolled through the drive-thru and went straight into the car.”
A New Opportunity with JGR
Briscoe now has the chance to elevate his career under Joe Gibbs Racing, a team known for producing champions. Gibbs, who once restricted his Cup drivers from participating in non-NASCAR events, has softened his stance thanks to the success of drivers like Kyle Larson. Briscoe, along with teammates Ty Gibbs and Christopher Bell, will now be allowed to return to their roots in dirt racing—a discipline where Briscoe honed his skills racing 410 sprint cars.
Speaking about this new freedom, Briscoe shared his excitement:
“For the fans, I think being able to see us race in different settings again is going to be really exciting. I’m just thankful for the opportunity. When I first joined JGR, I thought I wouldn’t even be able to race a memorial event that meant something to me. Now I can, and I’m so grateful that they’ve loosened the reins a bit.”
A Bright Future Without the Nuggets
While Briscoe has retired his Wendy’s-fueled pre-race meals, his passion for racing burns brighter than ever. With JGR providing both a competitive car and the freedom to explore other racing avenues, Briscoe is poised for an unforgettable season. His journey from ARCA champion to one of NASCAR’s most exciting talents shows that while rituals may change, the hunger to win never fades.
As Briscoe embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on the No. 19 Toyota and the memories he’s sure to create, both on and off the track.
