Georgia’s Chase Elliott wasn’t able to repeat as the winner of the Quaker State 400 on Sunday at EchoPark Speedway. But although the two-time winner at the track formerly known as Atlanta Motor Speedway would end up 13th, it was a race in which the No. 9 Chevrolet from Hendrick Motorsports was able to be a notable factor.
In fact, Elliott was one of ten drivers to lead a lap in a race that began Sunday night and ended early Monday, and he also led twice for five laps, rousing many homestate fans thrilled to see the home-state driver at the lead of the pack as Elliott led on the 208th and 209th lap in addition to retaking the lead five laps later, pacing the field for three circuits.
It also marked a good night in terms of the big picture for Elliott.
Sunday’s result solidified his points standings position as the end of the regular season at the end of August approaches.
Elliott’s currently 13th in the standings, steadily building momentum for when the postseason begins in early September.
Joey Logano, who began his racing career in bandolero cars at Atlanta’s ¼-mile track, was the top-finishing driver with Georgia ties, finishing ninth. Austin Cindric, William Byron and Austin Hill, all of whom raced legends cars on the quarter-mile, finished 14th, 16th, and 31st. Hill, who replaced Kyle Busch following his death in a renumbered No. 33 car for Richard Childress Racing, sustained damage in the race’s final stage.
