In a race full of emotions and unexpected twists, Chase Elliott took the victory at Kansas Speedway, securing his place in the third round of the NASCAR playoffs. The driver, starting from eighth position, starred in a spectacular comeback in the last two laps of the extension, taking the checkered flag.
The competition, marked by multiple yellow flags in the final stages, seemed destined for Denny Hamlin, who dominated most of the race. However, a series of setbacks, including a slow pit stop, prevented him from achieving his 60th career victory.
The red flag, caused by an incident with Zane Smith, set the stage for the final restart. Bubba Wallace, in an intense battle with Christopher Bell, was shaping up to be the winner. In a moment of tension, Hamlin joined the contest, which led Wallace to graze the wall, opening the way for Elliott to take the lead.
What a crazy finish! I hope everyone enjoyed it. I certainly did.
Chase Elliott
Chase Elliott condujo desde la octava posición hasta la bandera a cuadros en una prórroga de dos vueltas en el Kansas Speedway para asegurar un lugar en la tercera ronda de los playoffs de la NASCAR.Elliott, by securing the victory, joins Ryan Blaney as the two drivers already qualified for the third round of the playoffs. Next week, in Concord, North Carolina, the group will be reduced from 12 to 8 competitors.
Hamlin, visibly disappointed after finishing in second place, lamented the missed opportunity to secure his place in the next phase and achieve his 60th victory. Despite the problems with the power steering in the last laps, Hamlin fought until the end.
Simply very disappointing. I wanted it a lot. It would have been the 60th for me.
Bell and Chase Briscoe, Hamlin’s teammates, rounded out the top four. Wallace, who finished fifth, expressed his satisfaction despite not getting the win, considering the difficulties his car faced at the start of the race.
The next stop will be at the oval/road course mixed circuit of Charlotte Motor Speedway, where the elimination of drivers will be at stake. The four drivers at risk of elimination before that race are Ross Chastain, Austin Cindric, Reddick and Wallace.
Reddick commented that the only option in Charlotte is to win, and that’s what they will focus on.
