Chase Briscoe’s NASCAR career was saved by his father’s fortuitous meeting with a fan. Despite just missing the final four, Briscoe’s career seemed to be gone before entering the Cup Series. Briscoe clarified that he was about to lose his place at Stewart-Haas Racing due to a lack of funding and sponsorship.
It seemed like a dream when his father informed him he had only a week to locate funds. On the “Dinner with Racers” podcast, the 30-year-old described how, despite barely missing the final four, he was nearly removed from the grid. By year’s end, we really start to pick up steam. Most likely, I ought to have advanced to the final four, but I got crashed with two go in the race lead,” Briscoe said.
“I am thrilled that 2020 will be such a fantastic year. SHR contacts me in December and says, “I don’t know how to put it, but you won’t be back here next year if you don’t find any funding at all, like the next week.” Briscoe went on to describe how his father’s visit to Las Vegas saved his career.
He met a fan who had left another restaurant and recognized the number after leaving a restaurant wearing a cap with his son’s Xfinity Series car number 98 on it. He then revealed that he was a huge admirer of Stewart Haas. “After my dad identified himself as Briscoe’s father, he (the fan) began speaking,” he continued.
“To be honest, I truly admire the way you have brought up your son. Respect what he represents. I’d love to assist him in some way. Here is my card in case he ever needs assistance in the board room, business room, or any other setting. Briscoe stated this prior to disclosing that the fan was Highpoint.com’s CEO.
My career is literally over. My father turns right as he is leaving this eatery. The CEO turns left after leaving BWs. I get a photo of the card from my dad. I also forward it to SHR. “Hey, look, I know we only have a week,” I remarked. This guy just happened to run into my dad. He works as a CEO. Perhaps give him a call.
But when SHR informed Briscoe that he would not sponsor the car after calling the man, it seemed too good to be true. It turned out that Joe, Cole Custer’s father, had also approached the man in the past. Briscoe described SHR’s efforts to persuade Mike Mendiburu, the CEO.
Let me paint you a picture of what SHR is saying to him. Basically, if you do nothing, Chase’s career will end. We are aware that you likely wonder how much NASCAR costs. Ford doesn’t always cover the entire cost. This child’s career may drastically change if we receive anything.
“Mike’s like, I have no idea why I’m doing this, but it seems like lord’s calling me to do it; alright, I am gonna do it,” Briscoe said.
Briscoe finished 4th in the Xfinity Series in 2020, winning nine times in the season and earning him a seat in the Cup Series. The 30-year-old has two wins to his name in the Cup Series, including the Southern 500 this year.
