Chase Elliott, former NASCAR Cup Series champion and fan favorite, is gearing up to defend his title at the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. After his commanding performance last year—where he led 171 laps to win by 1.333 seconds over Ryan Blaney—the Dawsonville native is intent on maintaining his edge on the short track. With the Chase Elliott Bowman Gray Stadium storyline heating up, Elliott’s focus remains firmly on making another statement as the new season approaches.
Having started in pole position during the 2025 event, Elliott showcased why track position is advantageous, but he’s not convinced it’s the only factor that counts at such an iconic venue. Instead, he credits both strategy and atmosphere for his memorable win, emphasizing that getting out front early does offer a measurable boost yet is not decisive on its own. Speaking to Bob Pockrass, Elliott reflected on his approach and expectations for this year’s race, setting an energetic tone ahead of the clash.
Track Position and Attitude: Elliott’s Take on Winning Formula
Elliott’s perspective on what it takes to succeed at Bowman Gray Stadium is grounded in experience. While many attribute his previous win to clinching the top starting spot, Elliott believes resilience and adaptability also play major roles. In his conversation with Bob Pockrass, Elliott expressed a careful balance of confidence and realism about the challenges that come with the tight, historic short track.
“I don’t think that’s the end-all be-all. I think Ryan (Blaney) kind of debunked that with his performance in the main, but certainly it would be nice to get off to a good start again this year… and I think we can do that.”
– Chase Elliott, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
The atmosphere at Bowman Gray has also left a deep impression on Elliott. He recounted his excitement about last year’s crowd and the electrifying setting, noting the impact such support has on competitors’ morale and motivation. The high-energy environment and enthusiastic turnout create a backdrop where skill, strategy, and crowd momentum often converge to influence the outcome.
“I thought that the atmosphere was great and obviously we won and that was awesome but you know taking that out of the equation I really thought it was. I thought it was a great and very energetic turnout for what we had going on,”
– Chase Elliott, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Career Milestones, Popularity, and Ongoing Commitments
Elliott will return in his No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, marking his 11th consecutive year competing at the sport’s highest level. With 21 Cup wins, including a 2020 All-Star victory at Bristol Motor Speedway, Elliott has established himself as a consistent threat on track. His dedication has translated into results; he finished eighth in the 2025 standings with two victories, eleven top-five finishes, and nineteen top-10 results.
Beyond his achievements, Elliott’s popularity is evident—he secured his eighth straight Most Popular Driver Award last year, following in the footsteps of his legendary father Bill Elliott, a NASCAR Hall of Famer who won the accolade a record sixteen times. This recognition highlights the enduring connection between the Elliott family and the sport, reinforcing Chase’s status both on and off the racetrack.
Elliott Reflects on the Return to the Chase Championship Format
In addition to his focus on the upcoming Bowman Gray showdown, Elliott has weighed in on recent changes to the NASCAR championship structure. NASCAR’s re-adoption of the Chase format—a system last used from 2004 to 2013—has drawn praise from the former champion. The new championship layout brings back the 10-race playoff stretch, diverging from the previous method and enhancing the competitive landscape for drivers and fans alike.
“We often times forget just how good we had it through those years of ‘The Chase’ format,”
Chase Elliott said in a statement.
“And I really do think it is a really nice compromise.”
– Chase Elliott, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
He noted the difficulty of sustaining intense competition over a full season, pointing out that the condensed, playoff-style setting delivers excitement and dramatic battles reminiscent of past eras.
“I think getting a full season was going to be a really big challenge. I’m not sure if there’s really a better place to land than a true 10-race chase, really similar to what we had through those years of the epic battles that we saw,”
– Chase Elliott, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Under the revised system, sixteen drivers with the most points after the regular season will enter the Chase, culminating in a final run across the last ten races where the top seed enjoys a 25-point cushion. Crucially, winning a regular-season race no longer ensures a place in the playoffs, demanding greater consistency throughout the year to secure a championship bid.
Setting the Stage for Another Spectacle at Bowman Gray
As anticipation builds for the Cook Out Clash, all eyes are on Chase Elliott and his efforts to defend last year’s hard-fought victory at Bowman Gray Stadium. The renewed focus on racecraft, strategic positioning, and the evolving championship format promises a thrilling contest among top drivers, including Ryan Blaney, who challenged Elliott closely in the previous event. With storied family legacies, a passionate fanbase, and the intensity synonymous with NASCAR’s short-track showdowns, the upcoming clash is poised to deliver high drama from the opening green flag.
For Elliott and his competitors, this year’s race will test their adaptability and determination amidst evolving formats and fierce rivalries. The energy of the stadium, the legacy of the Elliott name, and the persistent pursuit of victory ensure that the Bowman Gray Clash will once again capture the attention of NASCAR fans across the nation.
Chase Elliott is the defending winner of the Clash at Bowman Gray. As he told us last week at FOX Sports production day, he is looking forward to the exhibition race, which is scheduled for Sunday night: @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/yn5E2TjJKz
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 28, 2026
