NASCAR driver Chase Elliott will race in both the Xfinity and Cup Series this weekend at Pocono Raceway, Hendrick Motorsports confirmed following his third-place finish in Sunday’s race in Mexico City. Elliott, the 2022 Cup Series champion, will drive the No. 17 car for the Xfinity Series alongside his usual No. 9 in the Cup Series throughout the weekend in Pennsylvania.
Hendrick Motorsports announced this move with enthusiasm, stating,
“Surprise! The No. 17 gets a familiar face with Chase Elliott pulling double duty at Pocono Raceway,”
highlighting the unexpected but exciting decision to have Elliott take on two races during the same event.
Elliott’s Previous Experience and Performance in Xfinity Series Racing
This week marks Elliott’s second occasion stepping back into the Xfinity Series this season, after participating in the race at Darlington in April. At that event, he finished second, driving the No. 17 Chevrolet and narrowly missing out on the win to Brandon Jones of Joe Gibbs Racing.
Earlier in his career, Elliott competed full-time in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports during the 2014 and 2015 seasons, piloting the No. 9 car. Across those years, he accumulated four wins in the series. Since then, he has occasionally returned to compete in select Xfinity races, adding two more victories to his record.
Overall, Elliott’s Xfinity Series record consists of 86 races, six wins, 70 top 10 finishes, and two pole positions, demonstrating his strong track performance whenever he races outside the Cup Series.
What This Means for Elliott and NASCAR Moving Forward
Chase Elliott’s decision to compete in both series during the challenging Pocono weekend underscores his versatility and commitment to racing. His involvement in dual events offers fans a rare chance to see a top Cup driver compete simultaneously at different levels, while also testing his endurance and skill across multiple formats.
With the Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series all active during the weekend, Elliott’s participation could have an impact on his momentum in the championship battles, while also contributing significant attention to the Xfinity Series event.
As NASCAR continues to feature crossover drivers stepping into lower series races, fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see how this strategy influences race outcomes and driver development over the season.