“I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like”- Chase Briscoe bracing himself for emotional home race at Brickyard 400

Chase Briscoe is gearing up to race at his hometown track, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, at this weekend's NASCAR Cup Series race. The 22nd race of the season is set to be held on July 21, and will take place over 160 laps on the 2.5-mile oval.

NASCAR driver Chase Briscoe is a native of Indiana, and has gotten into racing following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Currently driving #14 for Stewart-Haas Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, the third-generation racer has also enjoyed success in both the Xfinity Series and the Camping World Truck Series.

The Brickyard 400 is one of NASCAR’s most important races, and Briscoe is looking forward to his homecoming.

“I cried at the driver intro ride-around deal at the road course. I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like at the Brickyard," Briscoe said (via Racer).

Tony Stewart, Briscoe's team owner and idol, is also emotional ahead of the event.

"I’m excited for him. It’s not his last race, but it’s our last one together," Stewart reflected.

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Chase Briscoe's future in NASCAR

Chase Briscoe has made big strides in NASCAR over the years. He became the 200th driver to win a Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway in 2022, and followed that up by finishing ninth overall that year.

The NASCAR race in Briscoe's hometown of Indianapolis holds special meaning to him.

“It’s going to be cool. The fact that I get to run a Brickyard 400 is really special, and to do it with how everything has played out with Stewart-Haas Racing shutting down means a lot to me."

"As a kid, if you had told me I get to run a Brickyard 400 driving for Tony Stewart, I would have never believed it."

His team, Stewart-Haas Racing will stop racing in NASCAR after the conclusion of this season.

“That was something that didn’t even hit me until the week after the announcement came out. We were doing an interview with IMS and they mentioned that this would be the only time I would get to run 14 there, and I didn’t even think about it. I got emotional thinking about it even then."

After four years with Stewart-Haas Racing, Chase Briscoe has found a new home for next season. In June 2024, it was confirmed that Briscoe will drive the No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing next year. He will be taking over from Martin Truex Jr., who is set to retire.