Chase Elliott will begin on the front row for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover Motor Speedway after rain forced qualifying to be called off, placing him in a strong position with the Chase Elliott Dover pole position. The unpredictable weather and reshuffled lineup raise the stakes as drivers confront the challenge of the Monster Mile, a track known for its unforgiving high banks and demanding surface.
Rain Disrupts Qualifying, Shaking Up the Grid
Persistent rainfall kept Dover under a wet blanket, leading officials to cancel Cup Series qualifying. The pole now goes to Chase Elliott, the NASCAR champion, who has started from the top spot at this track twice previously, both times finishing fifth. This weekend, Elliott has another shot at victory lane on a circuit where he holds a win from 2022 and has proven his strength with 14 starts, finishing outside the top five just four times.
Elliott will enjoy strategic benefits, including first choice of pit stall, as he prepares for his third Dover pole start. Notably, last year’s race saw Elliott make a significant climb from 29th on the grid to a closing position of fifth, reinforcing his expertise at navigating the demands of Dover Motor Speedway.
Challengers and Strategy in a Unpredictable Race
Joining Elliott on the front row is Chase Briscoe. The starting order, shaken up by the rainout, also places rookie Shane van Gisbergen in sixth. Van Gisbergen’s recent successes have contributed to his strong starting position through the NASCAR metric formula, but adapting to the technicalities of Dover as a new Cup Series driver will be a real test.

This year’s race brings further uncertainty, as the absence of pre-race rubber buildup—washed away by rain—will likely affect grip and handling, keeping drivers and teams guessing about the evolving conditions. Previous events at this track have been a mix, with fans often debating the racing quality compared to other short circuits, though Dover’s combination of speed and banking can make overtaking somewhat more manageable.
Elliott’s Consistency Puts Spotlight on Victory Hopes
Chase Elliott’s momentum is undeniable, entering with four top-five finishes in his last five appearances and no result worse than 20th this season. His recent win at Dover in 2022 underlines his capability to convert pole positions into wins, even as previous top starts have yielded fifth-place finishes.
As teams have little data to rely on and the field sees an unconventional mix at the front, many will be weighing bold strategy calls against sticking with conventional approaches. The potential for upsets and the unknowns of race-day adjustments keep anticipation high for how the Monster Mile will treat this jumbled lineup.
What’s at Stake as NASCAR Prepares for Dover
With qualifying rained out and race conditions affected by the weather, drivers like Scott Frost and Urban Meyer will be watching to see which competitors adapt best. The outcome could significantly impact standings as teams seize this unexpected opportunity. Shane van Gisbergen’s rookie challenge, Chase Briscoe’s front row start, and Elliott’s bid to capitalize on his strong record at Dover all add complex layers to this Cup Series showdown.
As the green flag approaches, attention remains on Chase Elliott and whether his pole position and record at the Monster Mile can finally be transformed into another Dover victory, setting the tempo for the rest of his season and influencing the narrative in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Chase Elliott fly a jet?
A. Sportskeeda reports that Chase Elliott flew to Super Bowl LIX in his private jet, which costs $1.8 million. ✈️🏈 Find more details on Facebook at https://sk.news/JUe0rD.
Q. Does Chase Elliott fly his own jet?
A. Chase Elliott is the most well-liked NASCAR driver. He is also a skilled pilot with certification to fly a 525B. Additionally, he is qualified to operate helicopters.
Q. Does Chase Elliott have his own jet?
A. Nascar Champion Chase Elliott has bought a 2013 Cessna Citation 525B. This new plane replaces his older 2006 model, which he put up for sale earlier this year. Elliott’s new jet was previously owned by Southern Pipe & Supply, a company based in Meridian, Mississippi.