Getty
WATKINS GLEN, NY – AUGUST 05: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 SunEnergy1 Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series GoBowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images)
Getty
WATKINS GLEN, NY – AUGUST 05: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 SunEnergy1 Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series GoBowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images)
Chase Elliott and Co. got off to the perfect start in the upcoming Rolex 24 at Daytona. Driving the No.31 Cadillac, drivers Pipo Derani and Felipe Nasr ensured pole position in qualifying for Saturday’s racing spectacle.
It may have been just a few weeks, but the 2020 Cup Series champion’s demeanor has impressed Derani and Nasr. Speaking in an interview, they highlighted his willingness to learn amongst other qualities.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Chase Elliott got into a ‘very good level’, says Derani
Derani stated, “Chase has been fantastic from the beginning, such a down-to-earth guy for what he achieved in his career and has been so open-minded coming here trying to learn from us who knows the car really well.”
“He got into a very good level considering his very first time in the car, and it’s just a pleasure to have a champ here, a current champ of NASCAR, which is a great achievement. Hopefully, we can continue to grow this very nice relationship that started this week into a race-winning opportunity next week.”
Getty
FORT WORTH, TEXAS – OCTOBER 28: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 Hooters Give a Hoot Chevrolet, enters his car to start the NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Earlier this week, Elliott‘s team saw Nasr and Derani take up qualifying session duties in the 100-minute showdown. Although Elliott did not drive in that segment, he has learned quite a few things from some experienced professionals.
Elliott will eye his first Rolex 24 title ahead of NASCAR title defense
Nasr said, “Chase is a skilled listener, and it’s a pleasure to have him on board. He’s an easy guy to work with, and I think he never jumped in a car that opened his eyes and it showed how quick those DPis are, and he said he had a lot of fun.”
Getty
AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 08: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, and his crew chief Alan Gustafson pose for a photo after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Season Finale 500 and the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
More than anything, the Hendrick Motorsports No.9’s efforts would immensely help him understand a few racing techniques. After all, a successful Cup Series title defense will certainly see him put down a statement of intent.
Hence, a Rolex 24 victory on his very first attempt would indeed be something special for him. Although he will compete against several talented drivers, he would certainly not feel out of place in the premier event.
READ MORE – NASCAR Stars Bubba Wallace and Chase Elliott Engage in Hilarious Banter on Social Media
