Briscoe to the NASCAR final: Victory at Talladega! Hamlin also qualifies.

Chase Briscoe secured a spot for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR season finale with an exciting victory at Talladega Superspeedway. Briscoe achieved his first superspeedway victory, joining Denny Hamlin, also from Toyota, as guaranteed drivers in the final four-driver race at Phoenix Raceway in two weeks. The race, decided in overtime, saw Briscoe starting from sixth position. William Byron and Kyle Larson, from Hendrick Motorsports, led the front row, seeking to control the restart. Byron received support from Carson Hocevar, of Spire Motorsports, while Larson was pushed by Bubba Wallace. However, Larson apparently ran out of fuel, losing ground, and Byron, at risk of elimination, saw his opportunity for victory frustrated when his push from Hocevar was too strong, causing a spin. Briscoe, on the other hand, had the support of Ty Gibbs, his teammate at JGR.

Ty Gibbs, an incredible teammate. Honestly, I wouldn’t have won that race without Ty. This is an amazing team effort. I can’t believe I won a race on a superspeedway. I haven’t done it at any level.

Chase Briscoe

Two spots remain to be decided for the championship in the next race. Larson and Christopher Bell, from JGR, are above the elimination line, while Byron, Chase Elliott, and Team Penske drivers Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney are below. The race went to overtime after Chris Buescher was hit by Byron, pushed by Hocevar, while leading with two laps to go. Todd Gilliland finished second, and Ty Gibbs, third. Bubba Wallace, fourth.

Elliott Suffers Mishap

Chase Elliott saw his hopes of advancing to the final affected when he was involved in the first accident of the race. Elliott, already below the cut line, was involved in an early eight-car crash on lap 52. Now, Elliott faces the obligation to win at Martinsville Speedway to reach the final in Phoenix. It is what it is, I can’t change it now. All eyes on Martinsville and trying to get a win. The next race, which will define the four finalists, will be held next Sunday at Martinsville Speedway, Virginia.