From pole to victory: Chase Elliott (Chevrolet) left only crumbs to his competitors, Sunday evening, for the launch of the season of the NASCAR. The Hendrick Motorsports driver dominated the proceedings during the traditional Clash, organized this year at Bowman Gray Stadium for the first time in 54 years. A race which, let us remember, does not count towards the championship.
Starting at the front, the native of Dawsonville (Georgia) resisted the spectacular comeback of Ryan Blaney (Ford) and was able to manage the traffic in the final laps of the race, to cross the finish line with a 1″3 second lead over his closest rival, who had started last among the 23 competitors on the starting grid. “This environment is special, said Chase Elliott, who led 171 of the 200 laps he ran. It's a place that has a long history in NASCAR. I hope we didn't disappoint. It was fun, at least for me, and I hope we come back here someday."
Madhouse mastered. pic.twitter.com/rx99K2bpO1
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 3, 2025
Denny Hamlin (Toyota), third at the finish, led twice for 28 laps, but the Joe Gibbs Racing driver lost the lead after Chase Elliott took the lead back on Lap 126, and when Ryan Blaney passed Denny Hamlin's Toyota on Lap 147, the race came down to the two leaders. Second at the checkered flag, Ryan Blaney said he didn't want to be too aggressive late in the race against his opponent, who has been voted the championship's most popular driver seven times.
The top five was completed by defending champion Joey Logano (Toyota) and Bubba Wallace (Toyota) while Shane van Gisbergen (Chevrolet) finished 5th in the Clash, who will compete in his first full season in NASCAR in 9.
NASCAR
The Clash – Ranking
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