Chase Elliott began the second race in the Round of 12 with a four-point lead over the playoff cut-line, and despite his finish, he remained in the positive.
Elliott left Talladega Superspeedway in 29th place but now sits 13 points above the cut-line. The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion currently holds the last playoff spot, leaving no room for mistakes at the Charlotte ROVAL.
After the race, Elliott reflected on the late wreck that altered the playoffs. At the time of the crash, he was 17 points above the cut line, with the race order in his favor.
“I thought Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and I had a great rhythm going. I was happy with my position. I felt like a lot of what would happen was under my control, which is what I want at the end. Unfortunately, what was in my control backfired. I’m not sure what to do about it. We were in a good spot.”
“The No. 9 Chevy team executed well in the second half. We were where we needed to be when it mattered. I’m not sure how I got hit. I thought I avoided it, but someone barely clipped me and sent me spinning.”
Elliott has dominated the Charlotte ROVAL since it joined NASCAR, so he should be confident heading into this weekend. Still, one mistake or crash could end his playoff hopes. If he can have a clean race with some luck, a spot in the Round of 8 is likely in his future.
