Chase Elliott and Martin Truex Jr. dueling for the win at Watkins Glen was on repeat yesterday as the two drivers battled the last 25 laps for the checkered flag. And it was the same last year, with Elliott outdueling Truex for the win.
Elliott dominated the race, sweeping the first two stages and leading 80 laps for his second victory of the season. In fact, Elliott’s only misstep of the day was running out of gas during his victory celebration.
“This is wild,” said Elliott. “Thank you guys, that was pretty awesome. I’ve never been so far from home and thought I was at my house. Thank you What a day! … Martin was a little quicker those last two runs, but track position was kind and I didn’t mess up in Turn 1 this time, so that was good.”
“I tried to do all I could,” said Truex. “Chase did an excellent jog, just not making mistakes, and really all I could do was get to two car lengths… and just try to force a mistake.”
Denny Hamlin finished third, with Erik Jones fourth and Ryan Blaney fifth.
With just four races remaining until the start of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, Kevin Harvick, Hamlin, Truex, Brad Keselowski, Kurt Busch, Elliott, and Alex Bowman are locked into the playoffs with each having at least one win this year. Drivers who are currently in the playoffs based on points are Aric Almirola, Blaney, William Byron, Jones, Kyle Larson, Clint Bowyer and Jimmie Johnson.
The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoffs return to Kansas Speedway on Oct. 20 with the Hollywood Casino 400.