USA Today via Reuters
Feb 21, 2021; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliot (9) during the O’Reilly Auto Parts 253 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 21, 2021; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliot (9) during the O’Reilly Auto Parts 253 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami saw a nervy moment for the defending Cup champion. Chase Elliott had some good momentum going for himself early in Stage 2. He took the early lead and had a good battle going on for the top spot.
During one of his runs, Elliott tried to go three-wide as teammate Kyle Larson and Brad Keselowski raced alongside him. However, things did not go as expected and Elliott had to slide up the racetrack.
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Elliott slid right in front of Keselowski, who showed great control to avoid bumping into the Hendrick no. 9 car. Keselowski did Elliott a huge favor by not running into him. The two cars made the slightest contact, and a little more could have sent Elliott spinning wildly, probably ending his race there.
"You're welcome, Chase fans."- Brad (probably)
👀 👀 👀 pic.twitter.com/OnYssHhUXE
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 28, 2021
Chase Elliott continues to make stunning saves
Elliott also showed great skill to keep control of his car and not go into the wall or just get stuck in front of Keselowski‘s no. 2 car.
WHAT. A. SAVE.@chaseelliott hangs on as @keselowski cuts him some slack.
(Via @NASCAR) pic.twitter.com/iowdhM43uW
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) February 28, 2021
Even in the previous race at Daytona Road Course, Elliott made a stunning save to stay alive in the race. He went into the grass after some contact but kept control to not get wrecked and made it back on the racetrack.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 21, 2021; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliot (9) is spun by NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) during the O’Reilly Auto Parts 253 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
A topsy-turvy race in Homestead-Miami
Meanwhile, in Homestead-Miami, Roush Fenway Racing star Chris Buescher won the opening stage on the back of an impressive run. The second stage was a bit more competitive, as William Byron took the stage win after rushing past Denny Hamlin, who tried to hold off Martin Truex Jr.
Elliott fell behind after fighting for the lead at one point during the race. The defending champ is still looking for his first win this season.
Eventually, Elliott’s Hendrick teammate Byron grabbed the win after dominating the final stage. The youngster became the third surprise winner in as many races in this Cup Series season.
Elliott, Hamlin, and the other top drivers will now need to pull up their socks and seal their playoff spots with a win. They would want to avoid a situation where they are fighting for a spot in the playoffs just based on points at the end of the regular season.
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