Elliott Wins First Cup Race During Duels at Daytona
February 24, 2017 | By NASCAR
Even in winning his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series event, Thursday night's Can-Am Duel, Chase Elliott refused to consider himself the odds-on favorite for Sunday's Daytona 500 (2 p.m. ET, FOX, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
He does, however, like his chances.
The 21-year old Elliott became the youngest winner in the Duels' great history with a 0.156-second win on the field. Three days ago, he won the Daytona 500 pole position for the second straight year. It's been a good week for the second-generation NASCAR star.
"I definitely think we have a shot at it (winning Sunday). I mean, if I didn't feel that way, like I always say, I'd stay home," said Elliott, whose father, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, won both the 1985 and 1987 Daytona 500s from the pole position. "I feel like we have a shot on Sunday. I feel like we had a shot before we got down here.
"Tonight's result hasn't changed my opinion on that. I'm looking forward to it, obviously. You love to get that qualifying spot on Sunday, but we really earned it tonight, to start on the front row, which is even better.
"It was definitely a great way to start the season. As I said, I know it's just a Duel win. You obviously wish it was Sunday and counted towards the playoffs, but it still means a lot to me. Means a lot to our team. Happy to have NAPA colors on tonight. Had some big steam under the hood, which is a huge factor in keeping us out front.
"So glad we were able to race and stay aggressive and battle those guys. Hopefully we can dial it in just a little better for Sunday, give it another shot."
Elliott led twice Thursday night, out front for 25 of the 60 laps including the last 24 when he held off a pair of former Daytona 500 winners, hard-charging Jamie McMurray and Kevin Harvick.
They were impressed with the second-year driver's performance and demeanor.
"I thought Chase did an awesome job," said McMurray, who won the 2010 Daytona 500. "It doesn't matter who it is, at some point we all make a bad decision out there. I made a couple tonight. Was fortunate it didn't cause a wreck. But that's what happens at places like this.
"So, I thought Chase did a great job tonight."
Elliott's veteran teammate -- and fellow Daytona 500 front row starter -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. said Thursday night he was impressed with the way Elliott drove the Duel. He also related to the high expectations of following in a great father's footsteps and reiterated his confidence in Elliott’s learning curve.
"He's also got a lot of pressure on him," Earnhardt said of Elliott.
"When I went into racing, I had my father as my boss, I had a security blanket. I didn't worry about any of that stuff. I never worried about my job; I was going to get plenty of rope to learn and get better.
"He's driving for Rick Hendrick. I couldn't imagine going into Rick's car as a rookie, even though he's got his dad supporting him and got that to lean on, man that pressure to drive the 24 car must be immense. He'll get calmed down and do better. He's already pretty damn bad-ass. … Once he starts doing it real smoothly, his confidence will be through the roof.''
In winning the race Elliott also earned 10 driver points -- part of a new points system NASCAR instituted this year.
"I'm excited about that," Elliott said. "But really, I'm just more excited about how this thing ran tonight and keeping it in one piece. It's a great way to start the season for us. I know it's just a Duel win and it doesn't count towards a win in the playoffs, but it still means a lot to me and it means a lot to our team."