Chase Elliott opens his counter at Watkins Glen

The father can be proud of his son. Bill Elliott, 1988 champion of the Nascar Cup Series, was able to witness the first victory of his son Chase this Sunday, on the road course at Watkins Glen (New York).

The driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet – Hendrick Motorsports moved to the front of the 90-lap event on lap 28, overtaking previous leader Kyle Busch (Joe Gibbs Racing – Toyota), before winning the second segment of the race.

During the final part of 50 laps, Elliott first lost his advantage at the start against Busch, but an incomplete refueling ruined the hopes of the Joe Gibbs Racing driver, forced to return to his pit to properly fill his tank.

Back in the lead, Elliott then faced the threat of Martin Truex Jr (Furniture Row Racing – Toyota), winner of the first segment after an offbeat strategy, without having stopped. 

The last 32 laps under green flag, after the neutralization following the immobilization at the side of the track of Matt DiBenedetto (Go Fas Racing – Ford), will see the outgoing champion gradually return to Elliott.

But a small error from Truex Jr two laps from the goal as they passed the Inner Loop allowed Elliott to maintain a sufficient margin, especially as Truex Jr seemed to be running low on fuel in the final meters. Elliott finally won ahead of Truex and the Joe Gibbs Racing Toyotas of Kyle Busch, Daniel Suarez and Erik Jones.

The best Ford Fusion, #41 – Stewart-Haas Racing of Kurt Busch finished 9th behind the Chevrolets – Chip Ganassi of Kyle Larson and Jamie McMurray and that of William Byron (Hendrick Motorsports).

Race ranking

Discover the report of the Watkins Glen event in the Nascar Cup Series, in AUTO issue 2177hebdo, available tomorrow evening in digital version and this Wednesday on newsstands.