
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 12, 2020; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott (9) races during the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Sep 12, 2020; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott (9) races during the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Chase Elliott breathed a sigh of relief last weekend when his penalty at Talladega was rescinded. NASCAR originally penalized him for going below the yellow line, before determining that he was forced down there to avoid a wreck.
He finished 5th instead of 22nd, giving him 17 extra points in the playoff race. He still has a job to do at the Charlotte Roval, but he will fancy his chances there, given his past record on road courses. Elliott enters the Charlotte Roval on the back of a hat-trick of road course wins in the NASCAR Cup Series.
All the drivers apart from Denny Hamlin, Kurt Busch, and Kevin Harvick will have to calculate the points scenario, along with what they need to do at Charlotte to make the Round of 8. Elliott, however, is not worried about ‘passing marks.’
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The Hendrick Motorsports star has decided to take up the advice of his high school teacher.

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Aug 23, 2020; Dover, Delaware, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott (9) drives to the garage after a wreck during the Drydene 311 at Dover International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports | Reuters
Chase Elliott has an interesting take on the playoff situation
In the build-up to the race, Elliott said, “I feel like the worst thing you can do is just sit there and play the numbers game.
“It’s like I had a teacher tell me in high school one time. ‘Don’t come into my final exam just figuring out what you have to make to pass,” he added.
He feels like just sitting and thinking about the points and standings will not help his cause. Instead, he wants to focus on having a good race this Sunday. Given his confidence heading into a road course, the strategy seems to be ideal.
“So, I’m going to take her advice and try not to do that this week and just focus on trying to run good.”

USA Today via Reuters
Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. (19) races NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott (9) during the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports | Reuters
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Importance of points
Elliott also admitted how important those extra 17 points could turn out to be for him in the larger scheme of things. “That’s a huge deal for us. That’s massive when you’re talking these three-race rounds. And where we are in the points situation,” he expressed.
Since his win at Daytona, Elliott has been consistent but a win still eludes. The Charlotte Roval, where he also won the 2019 playoff race, presents him with the best chance to do that.
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Read more – “All Hell is Gonna Break Loose” – Clint Bowyer Expects Chaotic Race in the Rain at Charlotte Roval
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