NASCAR star Chase Elliott is set to throw the ceremonial first pitch at the MLB matchup between the Atlanta Braves and the Toronto Blue Jays on September 6. As the NASCAR season comes to a close at Darlington, all eyes will soon be on Atlanta Motor Speedway for the kickoff of the playoffs.
Elliott drives the #9 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports and competes full-time in the Cup Series. Over his impressive ten-year career, he has notched 19 Cup Series wins, clinched the championship in 2020, and was named the 2022 regular-season champion. He also took home the 2014 Xfinity Series title.
Recent reports indicate that the #9 driver will take the mound at Truist Park in his home state for the Braves and Blue Jays game. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recently shared this exciting news on X (formerly Twitter), confirming the former Cup Series champion’s participation.
In response to the announcement, Chase Elliott expressed his excitement about the opportunity to throw the first pitch. “Honestly, I haven’t thrown anything like a baseball since my shoulder surgery last winter,” he shared, as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I might need to warm up with the guys before the game to ensure I can reach home plate. But I’m really looking forward to it. It’ll be a fun experience. I’ve never done this before, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I think it will be a memorable moment for me.”
Chase Elliott has clinched his place in the 2024 playoffs after triumphing in the AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 at Texas Motor Speedway. As he approaches the Quaker State 400, a race he won in 2022, the Georgia driver currently ranks seventh in the standings, trailing Denny Hamlin of Joe Gibbs Racing by just a single point.
Elliott expressed his appreciation for his playoff position, especially in light of the significant upsets among drivers this season.
The 2024 season has been full of surprises, reshaping the playoff landscape. Notably, Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series Champion, saw his impressive streak of playoff appearances end this year. Conversely, Harrison Burton from WBR earned his playoff berth with a remarkable win at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 in Daytona.
In a recent chat with Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Elliott reflected on his playoff inclusion, calling it a stroke of good luck.
“It doesn’t feel drastically different for me. I think that’s because we’ve been fortunate to be in this position for several years, and it’s something you learn not to take for granted. The way the points played out this season serves as a strong reminder of that, especially with so many talented drivers and teams missing out this year.”
Elliott’s last outing at Atlanta Motor Speedway was during the Ambetter Health 400, where he finished in 15th place.
