In the high-stakes world of NASCAR, every decision counts—and sometimes, even the smallest mistake can change the entire game. On November 2, 2025, William Byron and Chase Briscoe sat down for a post-race press conference at Phoenix Raceway, reflecting on a race that left fans and drivers alike questioning what could have been. But here's where it gets controversial: Was it a race defined by missed opportunities, or did fate simply deal a tough hand? Let’s dive in.
Moderator: Questions, please.
Reporter: William, you apologized to Denny Hamlin immediately after the race. Why was that so important to you?
William Byron: It just didn’t feel right, you know? We were running second with four laps to go, and then I hit the wall, causing a caution. It’s a terrible feeling, especially when you’re in the Championship 4. I didn’t want to be the reason the outcome changed. It’s as simple as that—it just sucks.
Reporter: What exactly happened in turn three?
William Byron: I felt something off on that lap and was trying to figure out if it was a tire issue. We were three laps from the end, and I was trying to diagnose whether it was the left rear or right rear. As I hit the brakes into turn three, the car laid down on the right side and went straight. I was hoping it was the left rear so I could recover, but it wasn’t meant to be.
Reporter: Chase, did this race feel like a missed opportunity for you? It seemed like you were constantly battling setbacks.
Chase Briscoe: Absolutely, it’s a race of what could have been. I knew we had a strong car, and I felt more than capable of competing. We went from the back to the front multiple times, but issues kept piling up. I got back to second and was closing in on William, but then I blew another tire—my second or third of the race. If we hadn’t had those issues, we would’ve been right in the mix. Our pit stops and car speed were on point, but the tires just didn’t cooperate.
Reporter: William, what made Denny Hamlin so dominant, especially in that final stage?
William Byron: He was just faster, plain and simple. He always seemed to have the upper hand, especially on restarts. I tried to gain leverage, but he’d pull away by 10 to 15 car lengths. I could close the gap on longer runs, but it was too much to overcome. And this is the part most people miss: It’s not just about speed—it’s about consistency, and Denny had it.
Reporter: At any point in the final stage, did you consider backing off and hoping Denny would have a tire issue?
William Byron: No, I don’t think it works that way. You can’t predict when or why these things happen. I felt like I had moments where I was faster, but I was pushing the tires harder. The last run felt normal—we were all giving it everything we had. Maybe that’s why things unfolded the way they did.
Reporter: Chase, what’s your mindset when you’re constantly resetting and coming from the rear?
Chase Briscoe: You just stay in it. My entire career has been about never giving up—you never know what can happen. I’ve had races where I was laps down and still managed to come back strong. Take 2020 at Homestead, for example: I was seven laps down and finished third. Or this year at Vegas, where we were four laps down and got back on the lead lap. One caution can change everything, and our car was good enough to recover. You just keep fighting.
Reporter: Both of you are young, and this won’t be your last shot at a championship. Does that make the loss sting less, or is it still too soon to think that way?
William Byron: I don’t look at it like that. I treat every opportunity like it could be my last. You never know how things will work out, and I’d love to be in this position again. But I’m not banking on it.
Chase Briscoe: I feel the same. This is my first year at JGR, and while I hope we stay one of the elite teams, nothing is guaranteed. Look at SHR—they won 17 Cup races one year and then had a downfall. You never know when the tide can turn. It stings now because you’re never guaranteed another shot.
Reporter: Do you feel like you’ll take lessons away from this experience?
Chase Briscoe: Honestly, the race didn’t feel any different than a normal weekend. I thought it would, but I was always playing catch-up. I never really stopped to think, ‘This is the championship race.’ It stings because of the uncertainty of the future.
Reporter: Can you both walk away knowing you gave it everything?
Chase Briscoe: Absolutely. When I lay my head down tonight, I’ll know I did my best. I’m proud of my effort, even if the outcome wasn’t what I wanted. This was one of the best Cup races I’ve run.
William Byron: Same here. We left everything out there. We were deserving of where we ran, and that’s all you can ask for.
Moderator: William and Chase, congratulations on an outstanding season. Thank you for your time.
But here’s the real question: In a sport where luck and skill are constantly at odds, how much control do drivers truly have? And does the unpredictability of NASCAR make it more thrilling—or more frustrating? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Is it the driver, the car, or the circumstances that ultimately decide the race?
