Spared from being marred by inclement weather, NASCAR’s third run at Indianapolis Motor Speedway‘s road course witnessed successful completion on Sunday. Unlike last season’s wreck-fest, the 2023 Verizon 200 at the Brickyard saw only one caution being flown out in the initial laps, witnessing just one restart. In spite of a single yellow flag situation, Indy’s road course did treat fans to several spins and paint-rubbing action. 

Having earlier failed to capitalize on an opportunity to gain points on his fellow playoff contenders, Michael McDowell drove down Indy’s Victory Lane, claiming his first win of the season. While Front Row Motorsports celebrated their first win, Hendrick Motorsports’ golden boy, Chase Elliott, was left brooding after failing to grab the win despite getting within eyesight of it.

Chase Elliott details the reason behind his plight

Rough, disappointing, lackluster… call it whatever you may, but there is no denying the fact that the 2023 season has been hard on Hendrick Motorsports. Earlier the points leader, Rick Hendrick’s team fell off their high horse after a series of setbacks. Facing the worst of it all was NASCAR’s poster boy.

Chase Elliott continued to struggle with mediocre performances, sitting outside the playoff bubble. Although handed a waiver by NASCAR, Elliott’s bad luck prevented him from making the best out of the opportunity. Bowing out early in Michigan after a tire failure, the #9 HMS driver held his head high in the face of adversity, qualifying in the 3rd spot for Indy’s Verizon 200.

Determined to break free of his dry spell, the HMS superstar ran consistently at the front and secured 3rd and 5th spots, respectively, in Stage 1 and Stage 2. Embroiled in a battle for the lead with his biggest playoff roadblock, Michael McDowell, Elliott put up a tough fight, tailing the #34 Ford closely during the final stage.

Despite closing in on McDowell during the final laps, Elliott failed to pass the #34 car, ultimately securing the 2nd place finish. Speaking in a post-race interview on the pit road, Elliott then revealed the one thing he needed to change his disappointing situation. “Had myself in a better spot getting into (Turn) 1, so just, really appreciate the effort man. Our NAPA Chevy was really good. Just, need just a little bit more and came up a bit short. But congrats to Michael [McDowell] man, he did a good job, ran a great race, and stayed mistake-free. That’s what you gotta do to win,” Elliott said.

While Elliott was left strategizing for the remaining two regular-season races, Michael McDowell was glad to celebrate his win, which was even more special than his Daytona 500 win because of a particular reason.

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“That was tough”: Michael McDowell speaks about his unfulfilled wish from 2021 Daytona 500

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Driving the #34 car for Front Row Motorsports, Michael McDowell claimed his first-ever NASCAR Cup Series win at the prestigious Daytona 500 in 2021. Despite his win at NASCAR’s most revered track being a massive achievement, McDowell felt incomplete at Victory Lane due to the absence of his family. Claiming his 2nd Cup Series career win at NASCAR’s historic grounds of Indianapolis, McDowell was enthralled to have his wife and kids celebrating with him at Victory Lane. 

Having performed the tradition of kissing the exposed brickyard with his family, an emotional McDowell in a pit road interview said, “Winning the Daytona 500 was one of the coolest moments you could ever have, but going to Victory Lane without your family, that was tough. So, we cherry-pick, my family comes to the races we think we can win. We thought we could win this one, just so proud.”

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With NASCAR treading into Watkins Glen next weekend, will Road Course King, will Chase Elliott finally grab the elusive playoff-cementing win? Stay connected to find out.