Chase Elliott talked about what it would be like to win his first NASCAR race at home. The Dawsonville, Georgia native doesn’t have to wonder anymore. Elliott edged Ross Chastain in a dramatic finish to win the Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday.
Elliott, Chastain, No. 1 Jockey Chevrolet, and Corey LaJoie, No.7 Raze Energy Chevrolet battled feverishly over the last 10 laps. Chastain worked his way back to the front of the pack after spinning Denny Hamlin like a top midway through turn 3.
The collision dropped Hamlin to the 21 spot after being in the top 5. Hamlin was forced to pit twice to allow his crew to saw off portions of the damaged front right wheel well. In his hurry to get back on the track, as the caution was expiring, Hamlin nearly took one of his crew with him down the track.
Growing up with a NASCAR legend for a father like Bill Elliott doesn’t guarantee victories but it doesn’t hurt. Chase’s win raises the family total Quaker State 400 victories to three. The elder Elliott won the race in 1985 and 1992. Adding this trophy holds a special place for Chase. “I’m not sure I got far enough as a kid to even think about joining dad as a champion or joining dad on the father-son list to win,” said the younger Elliott. “It’s something I’m proud of, and I think he is, too.”
Pre-Race Festivities
Riffs and Revs lived up to expectations providing race-goers with pre- and post-race concerts. Flo Rida channeled the energy from two dozen spring breaks before the start of Sunday’s race. Fans were periodically invited on stage by the performer and his squad of entertainers. Every age group danced and sang along as the music hits kept flowing. It was a full-on party.
Race Photo Gallery
All photos credit Jason McDonald, JM Photography for CORE360 Sports