In the fast-paced world of NASCAR, where every second counts and every point matters, one name has unexpectedly emerged as a potential game-changer for the upcoming playoffs — Chase Briscoe. And according to racing legend Dale Earnhardt Jr., drivers would be wise to keep a close eye on him.
During a recent episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, the NASCAR Hall of Famer shared his insights on how Briscoe, often viewed as an underdog, may in fact become a serious threat in the postseason. Earnhardt didn’t hold back when describing Briscoe’s potential impact, calling him a “dangerous overachiever” who is hitting his stride at the right time.
“He always seems to come on late and especially in the playoffs,” Earnhardt said. “He overachieves, and I think he’s the kind of guy who can get in there and cause some headaches for some of the drivers that we feel like are contenders.”
Briscoe, who currently drives the No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, has shown a significant uptick in performance as the regular season winds down. With a surprising victory at Pocono and a string of consistent top-five finishes, he has moved from being an afterthought to becoming a serious contender. His current stats — seven top-fives, eleven top-tens, and only six finishes outside the top 20 — prove he’s not just getting lucky. He’s earning it.
This year marks Briscoe’s most confident run since entering the Cup Series. Known for his aggressive yet calculated driving style, Briscoe has capitalized on chaotic restarts and shifting race strategies to pick off competitors and maximize points. More importantly, he’s shown maturity and adaptability — two traits that Earnhardt believes separate playoff survivors from playoff spoilers.
“Momentum is everything in NASCAR,” Earnhardt added. “We’ve seen guys like Joey Logano or Kevin Harvick sneak up and win it all when they were overlooked. Chase has that kind of late-season rhythm.”
The term “dangerous overachiever” wasn’t just a compliment; it was a warning. In the playoff environment — where a single mistake can end a title dream — drivers like Briscoe, who thrive under pressure and fly under the radar, often have the power to derail the favorites.
While powerhouse names like Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, and William Byron have dominated the spotlight, Briscoe’s steady rise has gone largely unnoticed. But that may be about to change. If he keeps up his current form, he’s projected to enter the playoffs not just as a participant, but as a dark horse with the tools to go deep.
NASCAR fans and insiders are now buzzing over what kind of chaos Briscoe could cause in the postseason. Could he eliminate a championship favorite in the Round of 12? Could he reach the Final Four? And most intriguingly — could he win it all?
The Cup Series is no stranger to surprise champions. From underdogs like Kurt Busch in 2004 to Jimmie Johnson’s remarkable comeback in 2016, the playoffs are built for unpredictability. Briscoe, it seems, fits the mold.
When asked about Earnhardt’s comments, Briscoe humbly deflected the praise, saying, “I’m just trying to give my team the best shot every week. I don’t think about being a threat or overachieving — I just want to race clean and fast.”
Still, the pressure is mounting, and with that pressure comes expectation. Whether Briscoe embraces his new reputation or not, the garage knows what he’s capable of.
As the final races of the regular season approach, one thing is certain: Chase Briscoe is no longer just a young driver with potential — he’s a playoff wildcard that no one wants to face.
And in a sport where being underestimated is often the ultimate advantage, that might make him the most dangerous driver of all.
