Chase Elliott ended a lengthy winless streak in NASCAR by claiming victory at EchoPark Speedway, formerly known as Atlanta Motor Speedway, during the recent Quaker State 400 race. While the Hendrick Motorsports driver celebrated his success, he also raised significant concerns about safety and track conditions at Atlanta, emphasizing the need for improvements.
Details of Elliott’s Win and the Race’s Chaotic Nature
The Quaker State 400 event was characterized by multiple crashes and wrecks, notably triggered by Denny Hamlin, whose incident set off a chain reaction involving more than 20 cars. Elliott benefited from a favorable starting position, allowing him to avoid the pileups and maintain a clean car throughout the event. Despite his winning performance, he expressed frustration over the persistent issues with the Atlanta track’s layout and racing conditions.
According to Elliott, little has changed over the years regarding the track’s setup or safety, contributing to a hazardous racing environment. The 29-year-old driver described his experience in at least the last three races at Atlanta as “super sketchy,” with the first run of the current race being particularly troublesome.
It hasn’t really changed a ton. I don’t know if you experienced this, but really, probably the last three races there, I feel like the first run is super sketchy, for whatever reason.
—Chase Elliott, on the Victory Lap
Challenges in Car Setup and Race Strategy During the Atlanta Event
Elliott highlighted that this year’s race was even more problematic due to the way the cars were set up, which contributed to unsafe racing conditions and numerous incidents. He acknowledged that early in the race, he realized that the team had made errors in preparing his car for the track’s unique demands. Elliott admitted he voiced concern over radio communications, stating the setup was “messed up” badly. Nonetheless, with his crew’s support and adjustments, Elliott managed to navigate the difficulties and secure his long-awaited home victory.
Then, this time even more so than it has been, it was so, you know — everybody’s so far into the corner of having the back of the cars down, and superspeedway-esque setups. We started that first run of the race and I’m like, ‘Man, we have messed up,’ you know, bad.
—Chase Elliott
How Elliott Handles Criticism Amid His Rising Career
Throughout his NASCAR career, Chase Elliott has built a reputation as a formidable competitor and well-liked figure on the circuit. With 20 career wins under his belt, he has still faced criticism from some fans and commentators. Despite this, Elliott remains unfazed by detractors and explained how he filters out negative opinions to stay focused on his team and performance.
I don’t really ask enough to care to know, honestly — and that’s fine. I’m totally OK with that. You have the folks who are around you — your team and the people you go to battle with each week — and it’s about showing up for them at the end of the day.
—Chase Elliott, The Athletic
Elliott’s primary concern is delivering results for his crew and supporters, rather than responding to external distractions. This mindset has contributed to his ability to remain steady and perform under pressure amid a highly competitive field.
Current Season Outlook and Upcoming Challenges
The 2025 NASCAR season is shaping up to be intense, with numerous drivers and teams appearing capable of contending for race wins. Chase Elliott has secured his playoff berth but faces the ongoing challenge of maintaining his position in the standings. One of his next hurdles will be preparing for the upcoming road course race in Chicago, which demands different skills and strategies than the oval tracks where he has found considerable success.
As Elliott and his team focus on adapting to a variety of racing conditions, the concerns he raised regarding Atlanta Motor Speedway may prompt further attention from NASCAR officials to improve safety and racing quality at the track. Elliott’s candid observations and home victory highlight both the excitement and the challenges inherent in this season’s competition.
