Chase Elliott returns to Hickory Motor Speedway racing with determination, preparing to face one of NASCAR’s most storied circuits. As the 2020 Cup Series champion looks to test his skills on this revered North Carolina short track, fans, teams, and legendary racers await his latest attempt to add his name to the list of Hickory’s greats.
The Enduring Legacy of Hickory Motor Speedway
Nestled in the Foothills of North Carolina, Hickory Motor Speedway stands as a testament to American motorsport history. Since opening as a half-mile dirt track in 1951, this circuit has molded the career paths of influential drivers such as Junior Johnson and Ned Jarrett. Its transformations over the decades—from dirt to a 0.363-mile paved oval—have only bolstered its reputation as the place where racing stars are born and legends endure. The track proudly carries nicknames like
“The World’s Most Famous Short Track”
and
“The Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars,”
reinforcing its importance in the development of elite drivers.
Chase Elliott’s Draw to Short Track Racing
Acknowledged across the NASCAR community for his affinity for technical short tracks, Chase Elliott holds Hickory in high regard. Elliott credits tracks like this one for sharpening the racing instincts that led him to a Cup Series title. Now preparing for the ASA STARS National Tour Ross & Witmer 255, he returns to Hickory with a clear objective: win where history and fierce competition intersect. The close proximity of Hickory to Charlotte—NASCAR’s beating heart—further increases the prestige and intensity of these events, consistently attracting top-level racers and eager teams.
The Field: Veterans and Newcomers at Hickory
This season, Elliott competes in the midst of a challenging Cup Series campaign, seeking momentum and inspiration from a track that fosters both raw talent and seasoned expertise. Hickory’s grid typically features up-and-coming drivers as well as young racers such as Brexton Busch, the talented son of Kyle Busch, and Keelan Harvick, following in the tire tracks of his father, Kevin Harvick. This blend of emerging talent and established champions ensures every race at Hickory delivers unpredictable excitement and tests even the most skilled drivers.
What’s at Stake for Elliott and Hickory’s Ongoing Story
With anticipation building for the ASA STARS National Tour Ross & Witmer 255, the motorsports world watches closely to see if Elliott will triumph in his third attempt at dominating Hickory’s notorious banking and challenging corners. Whether Elliott claims victory or not, his return solidifies the enduring draw of Hickory Motor Speedway—a proving ground that continues to capture the imagination of drivers, teams, and fans by keeping grassroots racing thriving in an era of high-profile competition.
