Chase Elliott Wins at The Glen for Second Year in a Row (Back-up)
“I never thought a New York race would feel like home.”
The Dawsonville, Georgia siren is sounding for the second time this season. After dominating Watkins Glen all day long, Team Hendrick driver Chase Elliott (led eighty of ninety laps) took the win at the road course from the pole. Elliott got his first NASCAR Cup Series win at The Glen last season and was able to repeat that victory today, including running out of gas after the race was over. He is the fourth (fifth?) driver to have a repeat win at the Glen two years in a row, among Mark Martin (1993-1994), Jeff Gordon (1997-1998) and Tony Stewart (2004-2005). (That’s what the NBC broadcast said, when looking it up today on Racing-Reference to check my work I noticed it mentions Marcos Ambrose won in 2011 and 2012)
After the race was over Eliott’s friend, Team Penske driver of the No. 12, Ryan Blaney slowed down his car and gave Elliott a wave and a thumbs up. Daniel Suarez, another good friend of Elliott’s and Stewart Haas Racing driver of the No. 41, also slowed down to congratulate the No. 9 driver.
During his post race interview on the Start/Finish line Elliott said to his fans, “Thank you! Sorry I ran out of gas again.” Ironically, Elliott was actually out of gas and the No. 9 car once again had to be pushed to Victory Lane. This year it wasn’t by teammate Jimmie Johnson doing the pushing however, but a red staff truck. Elliott referenced the joke in Victory Lane adding, “I’m sorry my burnout rated about a C-, I ran out of gas again.”
The NBC Interviewer spoke to team owner Rick Hendrick as well. “Man, I’m proud of [Elliott]. What a race today.” Mr. Hendrick said.
Matt DiBenedetto took home a 6th place finish, his 3rd top-ten of the season. When interviewed he said, “Fighting for my life. My ride is what I live for.” The Leavine Family Racing driver also noted that he hopes to stay with the team for a long time and to bring them their first Cup win one day.
Tune in next week to NBCSN for the Consumers Energy 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Green flag is at 3:00 pm don’t be late!
Top Ten at The Glen (Unofficial Results Via NBCSN Broadcast)
1 Chase Elliott
2 Martin Truex Jr.
3 Denny Hamlin
4 Erik Jones
5 Ryan Blaney
6 Matt DiBenedetto
7 Kevin Harvick
8 Kyle Larson
9 Brad Keselowski
10 Kurt Busch
