Chase Elliott introduced a Formula 1-style touch to NASCAR when he participated in a podium celebration following his third-place result at the Viva Mexico 250 in Mexico City, sparking discussion about the possibility of this format becoming a regular part of the series. The Chase Elliott podium celebration and new NASCAR tradition quickly became a talking point as fans and teams reacted to the unique moment at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, asking whether the sport may adopt this method in future events.
Elliott’s Podium Finish Stands Out in Historic Mexico City Race
Driving the #9 Chevrolet Camaro for Hendrick Motorsports, Chase Elliott started mid-pack in 12th for the historic Viva Mexico 250. The Dawsonville native encountered only minor contact with Ty Dillon on lap 40 but went on to climb through the field, ultimately finishing third behind Christopher Bell and race winner Shane van Gisbergen. This marked Elliott’s strongest performance so far this season and earned him a spot on the podium, where the celebration mirrored scenes more common in Formula 1 than traditional NASCAR events.
After stepping up alongside Bell and van Gisbergen, Elliott addressed questions about whether NASCAR should shift away from its established victory lane celebration to the podium style seen recently in Mexico City, especially following significant events such as his third-place finish.
“It’s not normal for us, so I am okay with it, I am okay with doing it, I am okay with not doing it. If that is going to be a new thing, then it’s totally fine, and we can start a new tradition. But that has not historically been us, so I just want to make sure our focus is being us, being NASCAR, and that is okay,”
—Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Driver
The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion also emphasized the distinctive identity of NASCAR, suggesting the organization should prioritize authenticity over imitation:
“We are our own form of motorsports, and we can stand on our own two feet, and we can do our own thing. So, as long as we are not doing it to be like everyone else, I am fine. But if that is the case, I am also good not doing it.”
—Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Driver
Climbing the Standings and Looking Ahead to Pocono Raceway
The Mexico City result pushed Chase Elliott up to fourth in the overall standings, his best spot yet this year. With four top-5 finishes and eight top-10s, Elliott’s consistent performances have kept him a contender, although a win remains just out of reach—a crucial factor for securing one of the 16 playoff spots in the NASCAR Cup Series.
After the Mexico round, Elliott sets his sights on Pocono Raceway, often called the Tricky Triangle, where he will handle double duty by competing in both the Xfinity and Cup Series races. His weekend schedule includes the Explore the Pocono Mountains 250, where he’ll race in the #17 car as part of a multi-driver effort for Hendrick Motorsports that also features Kyle Larson, William Byron, Alex Bowman, and Corey Day.
Strong Start at Pocono with Pole Position in Xfinity Series
Elliott began his weekend at Pocono on a high note, earning pole position for the NASCAR Xfinity Series race by clocking a top speed of 166.024 mph. He will start alongside Brandon Jones on the front row, setting himself up for another shot at a strong result. Expressing his excitement, Elliott shared his enthusiasm for taking on both events:
“Good start to this double duty weekend 👊🏼.”
—Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Driver
For the Great American Getaway 400 Cup race, Elliott will line up 18th and lead his teammates as the green flag drops. Notable contenders in Sunday’s field include Denny Hamlin, Chris Buescher, Carson Hocevar, John Hunter Nemechek, and Cole Custer, all aiming for a critical victory at the challenging Pennsylvania circuit.
The Potential for a New NASCAR Tradition
Chase Elliott’s openness to evolving NASCAR’s post-race rituals by introducing podium celebrations has generated conversation across the sport. While the tradition has yet to be formalized, Elliott’s remarks underscore the importance of maintaining NASCAR’s unique spirit even as it experiments with new formats. With the intensity of the playoff battle mounting and a packed schedule ahead, all eyes will be on how both the sport and drivers like Elliott respond to fresh traditions and competitive challenges in the coming weeks.
