Chase Elliott revisited his landmark NASCAR win, sharing thoughts on the significance of finally breaking his winless streak at his home track in Atlanta. Elliott’s remarkable achievements, including his debut Cup Series victory at Watkins Glen and his thrilling 2025 Atlanta Motor Speedway triumph, have reinforced his standing as a beloved star for fans and a central figure in NASCAR’s ongoing narrative.
Recounting a Defining First Victory at Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott’s journey to racing stardom took an important leap forward when he claimed his first NASCAR Cup Series win on August 5, 2018, at Watkins Glen International. That day, Elliott put together a masterclass in road course racing, successfully leading for 52 laps, finishing well ahead of seasoned competitor Martin Truex Jr. The win was especially meaningful not only for Elliott personally but for his team, Hendrick Motorsports, as it marked their 250th victory in the Cup Series.
With this breakthrough, Elliott continued the winning tradition of his father, Bill Elliott, who had earned his first Cup victory at Riverside in 1983. The 90-lap, 220-mile battle at Watkins Glen demonstrated Elliott’s skill and composure, as he managed fuel, protected his track position, and stayed ahead of some of NASCAR’s toughest contenders. The result ended a challenging period marked by several near-wins and cemented his position as one of the sport’s most promising drivers.
Reflecting on the moment, Chase Elliott stated:
“It was just a really cool day and something I always cherish, always remember, Jimmy pushing me around was amazing, a guy that I’ve looked up to for so long, and being teammates with him and just how much I leaned on him throughout that whole process and coming up short so many times. So, just a lot of really cool things about the weekend, the similarities between my dad and I getting our first win, just a lot of really cool stuff. I don’t mean to harp on it, but it was a cool day for us.” —Chase Elliott
A Strong Start and Consistency in the 2025 Season
Elliott opened his 2025 campaign by winning the Cook Out Clash, an exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium. This early win served as a statement to the field and reminded everyone why he’s seen as one of the top competitors each season. Despite finishing 15th in the ultra-competitive Daytona 500, he remained a steady presence in the top 10 throughout the year, demonstrating resilience and a continued drive for excellence.
However, the standout moment for Elliott and his supporters came during his campaign at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Racing in front of home fans, he delivered a performance filled with energy and determination, breaking a long-standing winless stretch and capturing the spotlight with a dramatic final-lap surge that secured the checkered flag.
Elliott’s Emotional Homecoming and Breakthrough in Atlanta
The high point of Elliott’s 2025 season was undoubtedly his electrifying win at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta. His determination and racecraft were on full display, as he powered through a fiercely contested event that saw 46 lead changes and relentless competition from many of NASCAR’s best racers. On the very last lap, Elliott executed a strategic pass on Brad Keselowski, crossing the finish line first and ending a 44-race drought.
After the emotional home victory, Elliott shared with SiriusXM:
“Yeah, it was wild. You know, got just a couple really good situations off of four and had a really big shove there and into one. I think I got two for one there with a couple to go that got me by, I forget who, and then the 45 and that got me to third. And I’m not exactly sure what happened, but somehow or another, Alex got to third or got me to second, I’m sorry. And I couldn’t really tell how that happened. And when I saw him in my mirror, I thought, well, you know, that’s better than somebody else.” —Chase Elliott
During the event, Elliott led the field for 41 laps and capitalized on a decisive push from his teammate Alex Bowman during the closing stages. The victory drew strong parallels to his father Bill Elliott’s stellar five-win record at the Atlanta track, reinforcing the deep-rooted legacy the family maintains within the sport.
The Impact of Elliott’s Victories and What Follows
Chase Elliott’s landmark NASCAR win at Watkins Glen and his stirring Atlanta triumph have captivated fans and further solidified his reputation as one of the sport’s brightest stars. These achievements have not only demonstrated Elliott’s skill and perseverance, but also highlighted the strong traditions carried by the Elliott family in stock car racing. With his recent victories, ongoing consistency, and energized fanbase, Elliott’s presence is set to influence the upcoming races and the broader Cup Series season, making him a focal point for all eyes on the track in 2025.
