Elliott advances in NASCAR playoffs
TALLADEGA, Ala. – Chase Elliott raced his way into the next round of the playoffs with a victory Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway in the first clean race yet of this year's postseason.
Elliott was fifth on the final restart with two laps remaining and claimed control of the outside lane to stalk leader Ryan Blaney. The 2020 Cup champion surged ahead with a push from Erik Jones on the final lap, threw a block on Blaney's attempt to reclaim the win and then beat Blaney to the finish line by .046 seconds.
Elliott is the first driver through five playoff races to automatically advance into the next round with a victory, and he reclaimed the lead atop the Cup standings. The first four races were won by drivers not eligible for the championship in a chaotic start to the 10-race postseason. T he first four races were won by drivers not eligible for the championship in a chaotic start to the 10-race postseason. NASCAR'S new Next Gen suddenly developed a rash of problems, from mechanical failures, tire problems and unexplained fires, and the stiffness of the car has led to violent crashes that have
injured at least three drivers. Alex Bowman and Kurt Busch are sidelined with concussions, and Cody Shane Ware raced Sunday with a broken foot. Busch has missed 11 consecutive races, while Bowman was injured just last week.
Up next
The elimination playoff race Sunday at The Roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The field will be trimmed from 12 to eight after the race. Kyle Larson is the defending race winner, while Chase Elliott has two wins on the hybrid course and Ryan Blaney won the inaugural 2018 event.