GFT AI Driver Rankings Update: Briscoe Wins Pocono, Byron Retains P1 Ranking
23 June 2025
By Bob Francis, Managing Editor
Go Full Throttle Racing News
BLAKESLEE, PA — Chase Briscoe managed fuel and the lead in his №19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, holding off teammate Denny Hamlin Sunday to win The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VisitPA.com at Pocono Raceway. The victory is Briscoe’s first of 2025 and as driver of the JGR №19.
GFT AI Driver Rankings, Updated after NASCAR Cup Series Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway
With the win, Chase Briscoe jumps three spots to P15 while William Byron’s huge points lead sustains his P1 ranking despite a 27th place finish Sunday at Pocono. This week’s GFT Big Mover is “Big Tex” Chris Buescher, who finished 4th and jumps four spots to P13 in the GFT AI NASCAR Driver Rankings.
RACE SUMMARY
Chase Briscoe wins the NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway, outdueling his Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) teammate Denny Hamlin. Starting sixth, Briscoe led 72 laps, including the final 16, posting a fastest lap of 52.59 seconds. This triumph marked his inaugural win with JGR and his third career Cup Series victory, locking him into the playoffs as the season’s 11th different winner and elevating him past Joey Logano in the standings.
Briscoe’s victory hinged on a daring fuel-saving strategy. With a risky pit call leaving him short on fuel, he expertly conserved enough to fend off Hamlin, crossing the finish line just 0.682 seconds ahead in the closing laps.
His crew chief, James Small, was instrumental in the success. Small was heard on the team radio coaching Briscoe on where he could save fuel, yet maintain the lead. Their improved collaboration throughout 2025 paid dividends, culminating in this pivotal win that showcased their synergy.
For JGR, Briscoe’s triumph was a significant milestone. Driving the №19 car — previously piloted by Martin Truex Jr. — he delivered its first victory since 2023, marking JGR’s 18th Cup win at Pocono. Post-race, Briscoe expressed relief at meeting the lofty expectations tied to his JGR tenure.
The win was finalized after a post-race inspection revealed no issues, cementing Briscoe’s playoff berth. The event also highlighted strong runs from Ryan Blaney (third), Chris Buescher (fourth), and Chase Elliott (fifth).
NASCAR reporter Bob Francis of Go Full Throttle Racing News commented, “Chase Briscoe’s Pocono triumph was a defining moment in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. Skillful fuel management, strategic teamwork with crew chief James Small, and the ability to thrive under pressure underscored a victory that not only secured Briscoe’s playoff spot but also affirmed JGR’s faith in him as Truex’s successor.”
“There was a lot of pressure,” Briscoe commented in post race interviews. “It was kind of weird. I wasn’t driving hard, so it’s not like I was on the ragged edge, but it was just so hard having a guy chasing you, especially the guy that’s the greatest of all time here, to be trying to save fuel and everything else. Just an amazing day for our race team,” he continued, “Really the first race we’ve executed all year long.”
