Chase Briscoe faces Chase Elliott in $1M NASCAR challenge

Chase Briscoe qualified 20th for NASCAR's $1 million In-Season Challenge at EchoPark Speedway on July 12, setting up a quarterfinal clash with Chase Elliott. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver comes into the race fresh off a win at Chicagoland last weekend, while Elliott joked about his plans to 'whip his a**' before shifting to a more serious tone about teamwork and survival in the high-stakes event.

What happened in qualifying?

Chase Briscoe secured the 20th starting spot for Sunday's Quaker State 400, a race that doubles as the quarterfinals of NASCAR's In-Season Challenge. His opponent, Chase Elliott, posted the seventh-fastest lap and will start from Row 4. Elliott advanced to this stage after beating Michael McDowell with an 11th-place finish at Chicagoland. Briscoe, meanwhile, arrives at EchoPark Speedway riding momentum from his victory at Chicagoland last weekend.

Why this matchup matters

The In-Season Challenge offers a $1 million prize, making it a high-pressure event. Elliott, a Hendrick Motorsports driver, joked about his rivalry with Briscoe, saying, 'I want to whip his a**.' However, he quickly clarified his focus on teamwork and strategy, emphasizing the need to survive the race's expected chaos. Briscoe, while acknowledging the growing importance of the challenge, remains focused on winning the race and maximizing points.

What comes next for Chase Briscoe?

Briscoe's immediate goal is to navigate the Quaker State 400, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET on July 12. Despite the allure of the $1 million prize, he views the In-Season Challenge as a bonus rather than the primary objective. His performance at Chicagoland, where he secured a win, suggests he's in strong form. Meanwhile, Elliott hopes to replicate his success from last year's race at EchoPark Speedway, which he described as one of the biggest moments of his career.

What did Chase Elliott say about his home track?

Elliott reflected on his victory at EchoPark Speedway last year, calling it a special moment in his career. He noted that while home wins feel different, he doesn't try harder at his home track than anywhere else. 'It just feels a little different,' he said. 'It's not like I'm trying any harder… I try hard every week.' Elliott hopes to create another memorable performance in Georgia, adding to his legacy at his home track.