Chase Elliott’s performance in the Chase Elliott Kansas playoff race at Kansas Speedway on Sunday has ignited widespread excitement among NASCAR fans, with an overwhelming majority rating the event as one of the best in recent history. Elliott’s victory not only advances his playoff prospects but also highlights his ongoing popularity in the NASCAR Cup Series from 2018 through 2024.
Elliott’s Win at Kansas Speedway Drives High Praise
The latest NASCAR Cup Series playoff contest at Kansas proved to be a pivotal and memorable event this season, delivering a spectacle that immediately gained traction among race enthusiasts. With fans raving about the outcome and Elliott’s tenacity, the Kansas race quickly emerged as a focal point for motorsports discussion. Elliott’s reputation as the sport’s top fan favorite was on full display, as the energy in the stands and across social media reflected widespread admiration for his talents and determination.
A post-race poll revealed that 90.7% of fans rated the Kansas race a definitive “Yes,” marking it not only as a season highlight but as the third-best event in the track’s history. The competitive tension and strategic decision-making elevated this contest, cementing Elliott’s triumph as the second-highest rated Cup Series race of 2024. The Kansas showdown joined the elite “90+% Club,” standing alongside Atlanta 2 and the Coca-Cola 600—events recognized for thrilling fans year after year.
Jeff Gluck, a trusted NASCAR Insider, reported these impressive statistics through his social channels, amplifying the resonance of Elliott’s achievement among a passionate community of fans and experts alike.
Fan Reactions Amplify the Race’s Impact
The Kansas playoff win sparked a flurry of discussion both online and at the track. Many fans, eager to share their perspectives, reflected on the race’s intensity, strategic battles, and Elliott’s ability to seize critical moments under pressure. Sentiments ranged from initial frustration to overwhelming approval as the drama unfolded in the final laps. Some supporters noted the influence of die-hard Elliott fans, while others questioned how the outcome swayed public opinion in the poll.
“I was pissed for a solid hour after it ended, but that was the easiest yes of the year for me. I’m not sure why the no voters watch, if they hated that,”
one fan wrote.
“This was way better than Michigan tbh. I’m still trying to figure out how that race polled so high,”
another fan wrote.
“Chase fans skewing the stats,” one fan wrote.
“I feel like the winner of the race definitely influences the poll,”
another fan wrote.
Jeff Gordon Reflects on the Decisive Victory
Legendary driver and team executive Jeff Gordon offered his perspective on Chase Elliott’s last-lap triumph at Kansas. Gordon, drawing from his own extensive background as a driver and strategist, was visibly moved by the tightly-fought contest—particularly the crucial radio communication between Elliott and his crew chief, Alan Gustafson. Having experienced similar high-stakes moments, Gordon recognized how small, rapid-fire choices by drivers, engineers, and the entire team can determine the outcome in such nail-biting finishes.
After the race, Gordon spoke to the media about the strategic elements and emotional highs of the victory at Kansas Speedway, citing the complexity and emotion that defined the closing laps.
“There was definitely a lot of emotion there in the last few restarts. It’s lane choice. From where I get to sit, I get to hear all the conversations that are happening with the engineers and the team and Alan, and just trying to figure out how many tires to take, where to line up, all those things. Every decision you make, you can either lose your position or gain your position,”
Gordon said via post-race media conference.
What Elliott’s Win Means for the NASCAR Playoff Picture
Securing the victory at the Hollywood Casino 400 has propelled Chase Elliott into fifth place in the overall NASCAR Cup Series rankings. With this latest accomplishment, Elliott clinched his place in the Round of 8, amassing 3104 points and ten top-five finishes so far. His momentum entering the remaining playoff rounds puts him in a strong position as one of the lead contenders heading into the next challenge at Charlotte Speedway.
This playoff race underscored the ever-growing motorsports fanbase and the electric atmosphere NASCAR can create, rivaling major global events in its intensity and collective enthusiasm. The overwhelming support for Elliott, combined with strategic brilliance by his team, ensures that his success will continue to spark conversation and shape the narrative of this season.
As the Cup Series heads to Charlotte next weekend, the spotlight will remain firmly fixed on Elliott, his team, and the passionate NASCAR community waiting for the next high-stakes showdown in the Chase Elliott Kansas playoff race.
I was pissed for a solid hour after it ended, but that was the easiest yes of the year for me. I’m not sure why the no voters watch, if they hated that.
— Jim Franck (@JimF512) September 30, 2025
This was way better than Michigan tbh. I'm still trying to figure out how that race polled so high.
— Alex Kerner (@psychedalex68) September 30, 2025
Chase fans skewing the stats
— Pritchbloc (@pritchbloc) September 30, 2025
I feel like the winner of the race definitely influences the poll
— Real Deal Aneil (@realdealAneil) September 30, 2025
