[autotag]Chase Elliott[/autotag] entered Watkins Glen International with an 80-point deficit to the last spot in the playoffs and while it was very unlikely, the possibility of making the show on points was available. However, that idea completely went out the door on Sunday afternoon when the No. 9 car rolled to a stop in the bus stop as the event’s only caution.
Elliott’s car ran out of fuel and ended up finishing one lap down in 32nd place. There was high optimism going to Watkins Glen as it represented the best race track for the Hendrick Motorsports driver. Now, Elliott will be tasked with winning a free-for-all at Daytona International Speedway in the regular season finale. Before the race at Watkins Glen, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion talked about the idea of going to Daytona in a must-win situation.
To show up at (Daytona International Speedway) and be in a must-win situation is like going to Vegas and having to hit the nearest slot machine for the jackpot,” Elliott said. “That’s just silly.”
CHASE ELLIOTT RUNS OUT OF FUEL!
It's looking like he MUST WIN at Daytona to make the playoffs. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/73VuaqK2pN
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) August 20, 2023
“To me, (Watkins Glen International) is the opportunity we have the most control over. Didn’t have a very good start on the weekend. Puts you in a tough spot. Nobody’s fault but mine that we’re in the spot we’re in.”
Unfortunately for the No. 9 team, a victory at Watkins Glen did not come to fruition. Now, Elliott must use his experience of three victories on superspeedway tracks and hit the mega jackpot to continue his push for a second Cup Series championship in 2023.
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