In what was a third of three single-file-dominated races in 2019 Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway, Chase Elliott was one driver who refused the trend.
Jumping out of line nearly twice a lap in the final 10 laps of racing in Thursday night’s Gander RV Duel at Daytona, Elliott’s No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet was seen advancing spots… before losing those same positions due to lack of support from behind.
And though the moves ultimately led to an eighth-place finish, the fans on pit road were seen fist-pumping to the sight of seeing a driver go for it.
“If [the drivers] are going to ride around the top all day long, I’d be happy to try the bottom,” Elliott said. “To at least make something happen for the great people who are watching here in the stands.”
With Clint Bowyer holding a steady line of cars, it wasn’t until Joey Logano blasted out of the line from fourth spot to score the victory. A powerful move that caught the entire top three off-guard.
A move of that caliber was attempted multiple times by Elliott, who, unlike Logano, had too many cars in between himself and leader Bowyer to make it work.
But he tried.
“I just didn’t feel like riding around the top all day,” he said. “I was trying to move forward and make something happen. I just wanted to try something, you know. Obviously, it didn’t work but I was at least trying.”
Showcasing solid HMS power and lack of fear, Elliott hopes Sunday’s Daytona 500 is a different kind of race.
“Tonight was a little different than what you’ll see Sunday,” he said. “We didn’t do anything… so we’ll see.”
POWER MOVE, @chaseelliott.#GanderRVDuel pic.twitter.com/6XqDEJCkVI
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) February 15, 2019
Growing up in Easton, Pa., Zach Catanzareti has grown his auto racing interest from fandom to professional. Joining Frontstretch in 2015, Zach enjoys nothing more than being at the track, having covered his first half-season of 18 races in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series in 2017. With experience behind the wheel, behind the camera and in the media center, he thrives on being an all-around reporter.