New Headline: Just 8 Hours Left to Claim Your Spot in the Ultimate Race for Victory!
Feb 13, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Briscoe (19) signs autographs during NASCAR Cup Series practice at Daytona International Speedway | Credits- Mike Dinovo-Imagn Image It was widely expected that drivers would have a short learning curve adjusting to the new Chase format. But Chase Briscoe seems stuck in the past, as if the elimination-style format were still in play. Little else explains his disastrous start to the 2026 Cup Series season.
Through five races, he has two DNFs and one finish outside the top 30, leaving him 26th in the points standings. If the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing driver has any ambition of making it to the Chase and contending for the championship like he did last year, he needs to pick his performance up on a consistent level.
Veteran crew chief Steve Letarte spoke about his situation on NASCAR: Inside The Race with former driver Kyle Petty and opined along the same lines. He said , “People who go on a diet and then get burgers and fries. Tomorrow, they’re gonna diet and then get burger and fries.
And then tomorrow, they’re gonna start exercising. Tomorrow is here for the No. 19 car!
I am not saying, drive around with mittens in 15th place. But you have to put a filter on. You’re gonna have to just have a bit of sensitivity around DNF and big mistakes.