A Historic Run at Darlington
Right from the opening lap, Briscoe showed that the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota was the car to beat. Taking advantage of a chaotic start that saw Josh Berry get loose and cause early contact with Tyler Reddick, Briscoe surged to the front. From there, he set the pace for nearly the entire race, winning the opening stage after green flag pit cycles and never looking back.
What makes this win remarkable is the sheer number of laps Briscoe controlled—over 300, more than double the total laps he had led since joining JGR at the beginning of the season. This feat now stands as the highest number of laps led in Southern 500 history.
Briscoe also honored the legacy of the No. 19 car, once driven by Martin Truex Jr., who was known for his Darlington dominance. After the race, Briscoe shared how meaningful it was to win in a car he had admired as a fan.
Reddick’s Strong Finish, But Still Searching
Tyler Reddick of 23XI Racing pushed hard in the final stages, closing in on Briscoe’s lead, but ultimately had to settle for second place. Although he has yet to capture a win this season, his runner-up finish strengthens his playoff hopes and keeps him on track for the Round of 12.
Toyota’s Dominance at the Track
It was a banner day for Toyota, with the manufacturer sweeping the top four positions. Erik Jones, a two-time Southern 500 winner, secured third place, followed closely by John Hunter Nemechek in fourth. Both Legacy Motor Club drivers made their presence felt late in the race, showing that non-playoff contenders still have the power to shake things up.
Other Toyota standouts included Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin, who finished sixth and seventh, respectively. Kyle Busch also cracked the top ten, making it clear that Toyota’s setup at Darlington was the class of the field.
Only a Few Playoff Drivers in the Top 10
Despite the stakes, only four playoff drivers finished inside the top ten. Alongside Briscoe, Wallace, Hamlin, and Busch carried the postseason flag for their teams, while other contenders struggled through the grueling 500 miles. The result reshuffled the playoff outlook, giving non-playoff drivers a chance to shine.
A Rare Back-to-Back Southern 500 Win
Briscoe’s accomplishment is especially noteworthy because it marks the first time in nearly twenty years that a driver has won consecutive Southern 500 races. The Southern 500 is one of NASCAR’s toughest events, demanding endurance, precision, and flawless execution from both driver and crew. Briscoe’s win proves not only his consistency but also Joe Gibbs Racing’s ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
Final Results – Southern 500 Top 10
- Chase Briscoe (JGR – Playoff Driver)
- Tyler Reddick (23XI Racing – Playoff Driver)
- Erik Jones (Legacy Motor Club)
- John Hunter Nemechek (Legacy Motor Club)
- AJ Allmendinger (Kaulig Racing)
- Bubba Wallace (23XI Racing – Playoff Driver)
- Denny Hamlin (JGR – Playoff Driver)
- Kyle Busch (Richard Childress Racing – Playoff Driver)
- Carson Hocevar (Spire Motorsports)
- Chris Buescher (RFK Racing)
