As NASCAR gears up for its next race at Watkins Glen, Chase Elliott reminisces about his inaugural Cup victory at the 2.428-mile track in New York. For the Hendrick Motorsports star, the path to his first win in 2018 is what made that day truly memorable.
Chase Elliott competes full-time in the Cup Series, driving the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. With his recent triumph at Talladega Superspeedway, the Dawsonville native has secured his spot in this year’s playoffs. He clinched his first and only Cup Series Championship in 2020 and is eager to capture a second title this season.
Yet, Elliott’s early days as a Cup Series driver were filled with near misses. The 23-year-old faced a string of close calls before finally breaking through in his 99th race. On that remarkable day, he managed to fend off Martin Truex Jr., marking not only his first career win but also the 250th victory for Hendrick Motorsports.
In a recent chat with NASCAR on NBC, Elliott reflected on his journey during the race, sharing his thoughts via X:
“The path that led me here is what makes this day truly special. Looking back at those challenging moments, the second-place finishes, and the missed chances, it’s been a tough and lengthy journey over the past couple of years to reach this point… so I’m going to savor this one. It’s a day I’ll always remember,” he expressed.
Elliott ran out of fuel during his celebratory burnout, but fellow racer Jimmie Johnson came to the rescue, pushing Elliott’s car forward for the victory lap. Afterward, Elliott stepped out of his vehicle and shared a heartfelt moment with the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion.
“It’s just a remarkable moment; having Jimmie Johnson push me to victory lane was really something special. That’s a memory I’ll cherish forever. His friendship has been invaluable to me, and I’m incredibly grateful for his support in helping me grow as a racer and as a person,” Elliott remarked (at 3:38).
Currently, Elliott holds the 8th position in the Cup Series standings with 2050 points, maintaining a 25-point lead above the Round of 12 elimination threshold.
Chase Elliott, a prominent figure in NASCAR, has recently shared his perspective on the new tire compound that Goodyear is set to debut during the upcoming playoff race at Watkins Glen. This significant change comes as part of Goodyear’s ongoing efforts to enhance the racing experience, particularly on road courses, which are known for their unique challenges and limited overtaking opportunities.
The new tire compound, which was tested in June by several drivers, including Tyler Reddick, Daniel Suarez, and Austin Cindric, is expected to lead to quicker tire wear. Reports suggest that this could result in a notable three-second drop in tire performance, which could dramatically affect race strategies and outcomes. Greg Stucker, Goodyear’s Director of Racing, has expressed optimism about the potential for increased overtaking during the race. He explained that the anticipated tire fall-off could create more opportunities for drivers to gain positions as they navigate the complexities of tire management throughout the event.
However, Elliott’s reaction to the impending changes has been less than enthusiastic. In a candid discussion with The Athletic’s Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi, he voiced his concerns about the focus on tire compounds amidst the broader context of the playoffs. He stated, “We’re stirring up drama with the rounds and everything else. I believe the option tires shouldn’t be our primary concern in this situation.” This comment reflects his belief that the emphasis on tire performance may distract from the more pressing issues and dynamics of the playoff format itself.
The upcoming race at Watkins Glen International is particularly noteworthy, as it will be the first time the venue hosts a Cup Series playoff event. This adds an extra layer of excitement and significance to the race, as drivers will be vying not only for victory but also for crucial points in the playoff standings. Fans eager to witness the action can tune in live on NBC Sports and USA, starting September 15 at 3 PM ET. Additionally, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will provide radio coverage for the highly anticipated 90-lap race at “The Glen,” promising an exhilarating day of racing for enthusiasts.
“Chase Elliott’s Unstoppable Drive: The Emotional Road to His First Historic Win at Watkins Glen”
