In an exciting race at Kansas Speedway, Chase Elliott unexpectedly took the victory, securing his place in the third round of the NASCAR playoffs. The driver, starting from eighth position, achieved an impressive comeback in the last two extra-time laps, taking the checkered flag.
The competition, which seemed destined for Denny Hamlin, who dominated much of the race leading 159 laps, had an unexpected ending. Several incidents in the final stages frustrated Hamlin’s aspirations, who was seeking his 60th career victory.
The race was marked by multiple late yellow flags, which reconfigured the competition. A problem in a pit stop delayed Hamlin, while Bubba Wallace positioned himself to fight for the victory. An incident involving Zane Smith caused a red flag, setting the stage for a final restart in overtime.
In the restart, Wallace and Christopher Bell were battling for the lead, but Hamlin, with a bold maneuver, closed in on Wallace. In the fight to maintain position, Wallace brushed the wall, and Elliott took the opportunity to overtake Hamlin and secure the victory.
What a crazy finish! I hope everyone enjoyed it. I certainly did.
Hamlin, visibly disappointed by finishing second, expressed his frustration. The three-time Daytona 500 winner, who is seeking his first Cup title, needed the victory to secure his place in the next round. In addition, he was looking for his 60th Cup victory, but he stayed at 59. Simply very disappointing. I loved it so much. It would have been number 60 for me. Hamlin’s teammates at Joe Gibbs Racing, Bell and Chase Briscoe, rounded out the top four. Wallace finished in fifth place, and although the victory would have propelled him into the playoffs, he was satisfied considering his car’s performance at the start of the race. Wallace wasn’t even upset with Hamlin, and they shook hands in the pit lane.I wasn’t going to lift off the gas, so I didn’t know what was going to happen. In the end, it was what it was. We were committed. It was great to be eighth on the restart and somehow win.
Chase Elliott
Elliott, driving a Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, was the only driver not driving a Toyota in the top five. The next playoff race will be held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval, where Kyle Larson won last year. The competition will reduce the playoff field from 12 to 8 drivers. The four drivers at risk of elimination before that race are Ross Chastain, Austin Cindric, Reddick, and Wallace.To have a chance to win with the way we started… you could have fooled me. We weren’t good.
Bubba Wallace
Obviously, there’s only one thing we can do in Charlotte (win), and that’s what we’ll focus on.
Reddick
