Chase Elliott claimed victory at the Quaker State 400 held at Atlanta Motor Speedway, his home track, where he received some of the loudest cheers from fans in attendance. The energy of the crowd made a strong impression on Elliott as he celebrated in his Chevy Camaro, visibly soaking in the electrifying atmosphere.
Known for his typically reserved nature, Elliott’s bright smile and enthusiasm after crossing the finish line revealed just how much the fan support meant to him. Reflecting on the moment during his post-race media session, he confirmed the cheers were unforgettable.
It was for me (the loudest cheers), for sure. I can’t think of one that was any louder than that. That one was different.
—Chase Elliott, Driver
He described a particular moment when fans lit up their cell phones at a restart, a sight that caught his attention from the cockpit. Elliott said the glowing lights made the stadium look spectacular, marking a special night for everyone involved.
Yeah, to see them that excited after the race for me, it was crazy. It was crazy. It was surreal. I don’t really know how else to describe it. It’s just one of those moments you wish you could bottle up, get it out every now and again, relive it. Yeah, I try to box it up the best I can and make sure I never forget it.
—Chase Elliott, Driver
Intense Race with Numerous Lead Changes Sets Stage for Elliott’s Win
The Quaker State 400 featured 46 lead changes among 13 different drivers, making it a highly competitive and eventful race. Elliott managed to take control at the critical moments, leveraging his skill and strategy to secure the victory in front of his loyal Atlanta fan base. He specifically highlighted William Byron‘s contribution in supporting the race-winning effort.
The event saw frequent shifts in momentum, with several drivers including Tyler Reddick, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Erik Jones, Brad Keselowski, and others fiercely contesting the lead. Despite two significant pileups that added to the race‘s chaos, Elliott focused on the result rather than the drama that unfolded.
Elliott Reflects on First Victory of the Season and Race Dynamics
After the win, Elliott described the race as wild but emphasized that the ultimate feeling of success superseded any trackside turbulence. He explained that winning is what truly matters, regardless of the circumstances leading up to it.
With such a tightly packed group of front-runners, Elliott acknowledged the outcome could have easily varied, but he and his team timed their moves perfectly to clinch the prize. He expressed pride in his victory, recognizing it as a result of a mix of factors like strategy, some fortune, and persistence.