Chase Elliott secured a significant and emotional victory at EchoPark Speedway in Georgia on June 20, 2025, breaking a 44-race winless streak in front of his hometown crowd. The moment was especially poignant for Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick, who, although absent from the track, was acknowledged by Elliott with a heartfelt five-word message, underscoring the deep bond forged over more than a decade.
This win was more than just a checkpoint in the NASCAR Cup Series; it was a testament to persistence amid an uncertain and challenging season. The focus on Chase Elliott Rick Hendrick victory highlights how the relationship between driver and team owner has shaped moments of triumph despite setbacks.
Overcoming Adversity Amid Chaos on Race Day
Elliott entered the Quaker State 400 starting 18th, far from the front-running favorites. The race devolved quickly into turmoil, with a massive 23-car crash in stage two wiping out many contenders and multiple red flags disrupting the flow. Despite this, Elliott remained composed and patient, navigating through the wreckage while others faltered.
In the initial stage, Elliott finished 10th, avoiding trouble strategically. As the event progressed, he picked off competitors steadily, displaying a calculated and measured driving style. Late in the race, the showdown boiled down to Elliott and veteran Brad Keselowski. Elliott, determined and focused, bided his time until the final lap, executing a daring low move through Turn 2 that edged Keselowski and secured the win.
The victory car, a specially designed NAPA Chevrolet painted by 11-year-old Rhealynn Mills to benefit children’s healthcare in Atlanta, symbolized the fusion of speed and community support.
Chase Elliott’s Quiet Tribute Resonates Deeply
Visibly emotional at victory lane, Elliott took a moment to thank his team and supporters, emphasizing the importance of the charitable tribute by Rhealynn Mills. Then, addressing the camera, he issued a simple yet powerful message:
“Say hey to Mr. Hendrick at home—thanks for sticking with me, pal. And yeah, just again, thanks to all you guys, ’cause this right here is—you can’t dream of this.”
—Chase Elliott
This statement encapsulated his gratitude toward Rick Hendrick, whose unwavering belief dates back to 2011 when he signed Elliott to a development deal, comparing him to all-time greats Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson. Hendrick’s faith was rooted not only in Chase’s famous lineage as the son of NASCAR legend Bill Elliott but in his unique talent and drive, described metaphorically by Hendrick himself as
“almost like you get a registered Doberman with such a good pedigree, you know he could be a champion.”
That trust has been tested over the years, with Elliott facing difficult seasons in 2024 and early 2025 marked by few wins and limited stage leadership. Yet Rick Hendrick’s support never wavered, making the win at EchoPark Speedway a validation of long-term perseverance.
The Strategic Final Lap Battle and Keselowski’s Response
Brad Keselowski had dominated significant portions of the race, leading 46 laps and appearing poised for a win with strong speed and consistency. However, as the closing laps unfolded, teamwork interventions by Hendrick Motorsports drivers, specifically Elliott and Alex Bowman, shifted the dynamics. Bowman’s push and Elliott’s final low maneuver on the last lap created a double-team situation that Keselowski, despite his grit, could not overcome.
Post-race, Keselowski commented on the teamwork, saying,
“(Elliott) got a great push from (Bowman). If those guys would race, I could hold them off, but when they double-teamed me like that, it was the same thing when we had a couple of teammates, we were able to hold them off. We lost that at the end, and they were able to double-team me. Good effort, led a lot of laps, in position. I don’t think there was anything I could do differently. Just put ourselves in position.”
—Brad Keselowski
Despite the loss, Keselowski showed resilience and sportsmanship, acknowledging the race’s challenges. He added,
“Every loss hurts. I don’t dwell on it. We’ll go onto next week and try to win.”
—Brad Keselowski
The close finish highlighted the critical role of drafting, alliances, and strategy in NASCAR, where raw speed alone often does not decide the outcome.
From Development Deal to Championship: The Evolution of Chase Elliott
Rick Hendrick’s signing of a then 15-year-old Chase Elliott was initially met with cautious optimism. Hendrick’s garage already held promising young drivers, and the gamble was significant. However, Hendrick’s recognition of Elliott’s potential went beyond family connections, focusing on talent and character that promised greatness.
Chase’s climb through the ranks has been marked by milestones, including winning Rookie of the Year honors in 2016 and clinching the Cup Series championship by 2020, a tribute to both his skill and dedication. Along the way, he has earned the title of NASCAR’s most popular driver seven times, admired not just for his performance on the track but for his humility and determination.
Sunday’s win at EchoPark Speedway was thus more than a race victory—it was a symbol of a decade-long relationship defined by trust, patience, and mutual respect between Hendrick and Elliott.
The Emotional Weight of a Victory Beyond the Trophy
For Elliott, the moment transcended the typical celebration of success. His acknowledgment of Rick Hendrick reflected a deep understanding of what it means to carry expectations and the support behind him through challenging times. The five words delivered to Hendrick resonated as a concise encapsulation of loyalty and gratitude that fans and insiders alike deeply felt.
In the broader context of NASCAR, this victory has reinvigorated discussions about legacy versus individual achievement and the emotional bonds that underpin the sport’s competitive fabric. For Hendrick Motorsports, Elliott’s win signals a potential turning point in a season that had shown signs of uncertainty.
Looking ahead, Chase Elliott’s victory at his hometown track promises renewed momentum, both personally and for the team, as they push toward the playoffs. The blend of talent, strategy, and emotional fortitude displayed in Atlanta will be key in the races to come.