Motorsport TechnologyChase Elliott proved once again that he is the ‘road course king’ as the Hendrick Motorsports driver secured his second win of the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season.
In leading home Christopher Bell for victory, Elliott has now won seven of the last 11 road course races and owns the record for the most wins at different road course venues with five.
Relive @chaseelliott’s winning moment @roadamerica as he raced his way to the organization’s eighth victory in the last 11 road course races!
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) July 4, 2021
“It was a hot day but a lot of fun,” Elliott is quoted on the official Hendrick Motorsports website. “I’m just really proud of our team for overcoming some adversity early and having to start in the back, having good pit stops and a really fast NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet. Just so proud. We’ve had a rough two weeks so it feels really good.”
It could have been even better for the team had Kyle Larson not spun from third in the closing laps to end his chances of another race victory.
Saving equipment played a key role in @chaseelliott’s victory this afternoon @roadamerica! pic.twitter.com/N0zv52gmKO
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) July 4, 2021
For Elliott, the groundwork for victory was laid by progressing to tenth from his starting position of 34. Running a strong eighth in Stage 2, he pitted under green and finished the stage 15th. With the advantage of staying out, Elliott reset for the final stage in second before taking the lead on lap 38.
Pitting under caution, the Georgia native restacked fifth but with fresh tires on his No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro, Elliott retook the lead by lap 45, holding off Bell and Kyle Busch for the win.
It was a strong day for @chaseelliott and the @Hendrick9Team! 👊
Check in with the @NAPARacing driver after a winning day @roadamerica. pic.twitter.com/NRBbPi6pEd
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) July 5, 2021
It means that it is only the second time Hendrick Motorsports has claimed double digit wins through 20 races, the other feat coming in 2007 when the organization earned 18 total wins. Road America is also the 31st different track on which Hendrick Motorsports has claimed victory.
Did you know that @chaseelliott has won seven road course races in 16 starts, the fewest starts of all drivers? 🔥 pic.twitter.com/9oQJ4OG5Qr
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) July 5, 2021
