MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Chase Elliott’s hopes of making the Championship 4 at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway will rest on winning one of the next two Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoff races.
After having to start from the tail of the field due to an engine change following first practice on Friday, Elliott charged his way up inside the top 10 and scored stage points by crossing eighth after 130 laps.
However, it was a pit stop following a lap-178 caution for the spinning car of Ty Dillon that led to Elliott’s seemingly-promising day unraveling in a hurry.
As he attempted to leave after receiving service, Elliott reported a potential axle failure on his No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, having to come quickly back to pit road and then eventually going to the garage area for more extensive repairs.
After a lengthy stay in the infield, Elliott finally returned to the race just prior to the halfway point, 53 circuits in arrears and last in the running order. However, any hope he had of a decent day was over and the Dawsonville, Ga., native ended up finishing 36th as the final car running.
He leaves Martinsville eighth of the eight remaining playoff drivers in the standings, 44 points below the cut line for elimination, and likely must win at either Texas Motor Speedway or Arizona’s ISM Raceway in order to make the four-driver grid for the championship race at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway.
After the race, Elliott was short with reporters in regards to his trying afternoon and evening.
Told he made up a couple of spots by going back out, Elliott noted “yeah, (for) whatever that is worth. (It’s) frustrating. Just disappointing for a day like that. We know better and we can do better than that.”
The Dawsonville, Ga., native was also quick to lay out his plan for the next two playoff races, as well.
“I’m going to go win,” he said.
Pressed on whether the next two weeks were “must-win races,” Elliott offered an affirmative.
“That is certainly the case now,” said Elliott. “We do have to win.”
That task may be more difficult if the mechanical woes that have plagued Elliott in recent weeks persist, something that he admitted he’s thinking about going forward before walking off into the Virginia night.
“Yeah, they do (concern me),” Elliott said.
The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoffs continue Nov. 3 at Texas Motor Speedway.