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Briscoe's Phoenix Race Ends in Frustration and DNF
9 Mar
Summary
- Chase Briscoe crashed out at Phoenix due to a right-front tire failure.
- He expressed frustration over a lack of luck despite having a fast car.
- This DNF added to a difficult start to his 2026 season.
Chase Briscoe's 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season continued with disappointment at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, March 9, 2026. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver suffered a right-front tire failure early in Stage 2, sending his No. 19 Toyota into the wall and ending his race. This marks another significant setback for Briscoe, who entered the event in 27th place in the standings.
Briscoe expressed his frustration following the incident, noting the car's speed but a persistent lack of luck. "Another race winning speed car with a 37th place finish. Can't catch a break this season," he posted on X. He had been steadily moving forward after starting 20th, showing strong pace before the tire failure derailed his progress.
The tire issues were not isolated to Briscoe, as several drivers reported problems throughout the weekend with the Goodyear tire setup. Shane van Gisbergen and Kyle Busch also experienced tire failures earlier in the race. The Damaged Vehicle Policy was utilized, but Briscoe's car was too severely damaged to continue, highlighting the challenges of managing tire wear during long runs.
This latest DNF adds to a difficult opening stretch of the season for Briscoe, which includes a 36th place finish at Daytona and a DNF at Circuit of the Americas due to a transaxle failure. The only positive result was a second-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway. With the new Chase format emphasizing consistent points finishes, Briscoe faces a significant challenge to recover in the standings.
