Chase Briscoe Clinches Playoff Spot with Victory at Darlington
DARLINGTON, S.C. – In a thrilling race under the lights at Darlington Raceway, Chase Briscoe secured his spot in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs by winning the prestigious Southern 500 on Sunday night.
Briscoe made a daring move, going three-wide to overtake Kyle Larson and Ross Chastain for the lead, then held off two-time series champion Kyle Busch in the closing laps to take the checkered flag.
After crossing the finish line, an emotional Briscoe exclaimed on the radio, “We just won the Southern 500!”
Despite his team, Stewart-Haas Racing, announcing its closure earlier in the season, Briscoe and his crew fought on, determined to make a statement in the final weeks of the regular season.
The victory not only punched Briscoe’s ticket to the playoffs but also served as a fitting tribute to his team’s resilience and determination.
In a dramatic turn of events, Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Ty Gibbs and Martin Truex Jr. clinched the final two playoff spots on points, while Bubba Wallace and Chastain narrowly missed out on advancing.
Briscoe’s win overshadowed Larson’s dominant performance, as the latter led a significant portion of the race but ultimately fell short in the closing stages.
The playoff field is now set, with Reddick claiming the regular-season title and Larson in second place. The stage is now set for an exciting postseason, with the playoffs kicking off in Atlanta next week.
Before the race, fans at Darlington Raceway paid tribute to late NASCAR legend Cale Yarborough, underscoring the rich history and tradition of the sport.
Next up on the NASCAR calendar is the start of the playoffs at Atlanta, promising more high-stakes racing and intense competition in the weeks to come.
For more NASCAR coverage, visit AP NASCAR.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
