The NASCAR Cup Series season has been a rollercoaster of intense competition, near-misses, and incredible turnarounds. One of the most gripping moments this season unfolded at Watkins Glen, where Chase Briscoe found himself at the center of an elimination scare. With the playoff picture looming large, drivers knew they had to perform or face the harsh reality of elimination. But when the pressure mounted, Briscoe managed to pull off a stunning turnaround, leaving fans and competitors alike in awe. After the race, Briscoe revealed his secret in just five words, a mantra that carried him through the nerve-wracking moments of uncertainty.
This revelation was not just a simple statement, but one that reflected his approach to the challenges of the season. Those five words? “Stay calm, trust the process.” It might sound straightforward, but in a sport where split-second decisions can mean the difference between advancing and going home, these words held a deeper significance. Let’s take a closer look at how Briscoe’s philosophy helped him survive the elimination scare and what it means for his future in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Watkins Glen, with its fast corners and technical sections, is a track that demands precision and confidence from every driver. Going into the race, Briscoe found himself teetering on the edge of playoff contention. A single misstep could have meant the end of his championship hopes for the season. As drivers like Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson were also pushing for key positions, the competition was as fierce as ever.
Briscoe’s performance throughout the season had been a mix of highs and lows. While he showed flashes of brilliance, consistency had been elusive, and as the playoffs neared, every race began to carry immense weight. At Watkins Glen, the pressure to deliver was at its peak, and the elimination scare was very real. With points on the line and a determined field, many questioned whether Briscoe could handle the intensity.
In a sport like NASCAR, where the margin for error is razor-thin, staying calm can be the difference between success and failure. Briscoe’s ability to remain composed during the race was nothing short of remarkable. “Stay calm, trust the process” became his mental anchor, keeping him focused even when the odds seemed stacked against him.
Throughout the race, Briscoe found himself in difficult situations, from battling for position to avoiding incidents that could have easily derailed his playoff chances. His calm demeanor behind the wheel allowed him to make smart decisions under pressure, maneuvering through the pack without taking unnecessary risks. While other drivers cracked under the intensity, Briscoe stayed in control, letting the race come to him rather than forcing aggressive moves that could have led to disaster.
The second part of Briscoe’s mantra—”trust the process”—is equally important. NASCAR drivers often emphasize the importance of preparation, strategy, and teamwork. Briscoe’s success at Watkins Glen wasn’t just about his driving skills; it was the culmination of months of hard work, testing, and refining strategies with his team. They had a plan, and in those tense moments on the track, Briscoe trusted that plan.
Trusting the process also means understanding that not every race will go perfectly. There will be setbacks, mechanical issues, or simply days when things don’t go your way. For Briscoe, this mindset helped him avoid the frustration that can come when a race doesn’t unfold as expected. Instead of panicking, he relied on the process he and his team had developed throughout the season, knowing that if he stuck to it, the results would follow.
Surviving the elimination scare at Watkins Glen is just one chapter in Briscoe’s journey this season. With the playoffs on the horizon, the challenges will only get tougher, and the competition fiercer. However, Briscoe’s five-word secret—”stay calm, trust the process”—will undoubtedly continue to guide him.
As the NASCAR Cup Series heads into its most critical phase, Briscoe’s ability to keep a level head and trust in the preparation will be crucial. The pressure will only intensify with each passing race, but if Watkins Glen is any indication, Briscoe has what it takes to thrive in these high-stakes environments.
His turnaround at Watkins Glen serves as a reminder that in motorsports, as in life, it’s not always the fastest or most aggressive who succeed. Sometimes, it’s the ones who can keep their cool, stay patient, and trust that their hard work will pay off. For Chase Briscoe, those five words are more than just a motto—they are the key to navigating the chaos and staying in the hunt for NASCAR glory.