Chase Elliott, last year’s winner of the Cook Out Clash, is preparing to defend his title as the highly anticipated event at Bowman Gray Stadium approaches. The Dawsonville native, who led 171 laps and beat Ryan Blaney by 1.333 seconds in the previous race, remains determined despite the intense competition and unique challenges of the track.
Although Elliott secured the pole position in 2025, he believes that starting position alone does not guarantee success at Bowman Gray, known for its chaotic and electrifying atmosphere. Speaking with Bob Pockrass on X, Elliott emphasized the importance of a strong start while acknowledging that other factors heavily influence the final results.
Elliott Reflects on Track Position and Race Atmosphere
Chase Elliott acknowledged that while having the pole position was advantageous last year, it is not the only factor that decides the race outcome. He pointed out how Ryan Blaney disproved the idea that starting at the front is decisive by delivering a strong performance in the main event.
“I don’t think that’s the end-all be-all. I think Ryan (Blaney) kind of debunked that with his performance in the main, but certainly it would be nice to get off to a good start again this year… and I think we can do that.” – Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
He also praised the energy and turnout of fans during the event, highlighting the positive environment that made the race even more special for competitors and attendees alike.
“I thought that the atmosphere was great and obviously we won and that was awesome but you know taking that out of the equation I really thought it was. I thought it was a great and very energetic turnout for what we had going on,”
he added.
Chase Elliott’s Career and Recent Performance
Entering the 2026 season, Chase Elliott returns in his No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet for his 11th full NASCAR Cup Series season. With 21 career wins under his belt, Elliott remains a formidable contender on the circuit, including a notable All-Star Race victory in 2020 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
In 2025, Elliott finished eighth in the championship standings, earning two wins along with 11 top-five and 19 top-10 finishes. He has also maintained a strong fan following, securing his eighth straight Most Popular Driver Award—a streak only rivaled by his father, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, who holds the record with 16 wins of the same honor.
Chase Elliott’s Thoughts on NASCAR’s Revised Championship System
Elliott has expressed support for NASCAR’s return to a format reminiscent of the original Chase playoff system, which was in place from 2004 to 2013. He considers the updated approach a balanced solution that maintains competitive tension across the season without demanding a full chase for the title.
“We often times forget just how good we had it through those years of ‘The Chase’ format,”
Chase Elliott said in a statement.
“And I really do think it is a really nice compromise. I think getting a full season was going to be a really big challenge. I’m not sure if there’s really a better place to land than a true 10-race chase, really similar to what we had through those years of the epic battles that we saw,”
he added.
This new championship structure features the final 10 races of the year as the ‘Chase,’ where the top 16 drivers by points compete for the title. The leading competitor in the Chase will begin with a 25-point advantage over the second-place seed, marking a departure from past rules that guaranteed playoff entry via regular-season wins. This change puts more emphasis on consistent performance throughout the season.
Teams and Partners Prepare for Bowman Gray Challenges
As the clash at Bowman Gray Stadium draws nearer, Team Penske has received a significant boost with a renewed long-term sponsorship deal, signaling strong support and resources behind their drivers. Meanwhile, NASCAR’s tire supplier Goodyear has introduced a new tire design specifically for the Cook Out Clash, adding another strategic variable for teams to consider during the race weekend.
Concerns about the weather have also emerged as a factor, with NASCAR insiders monitoring snow forecasts that could impact scheduling or race conditions. Such uncertainties contribute to the heightened intensity surrounding the event.
The Broader Impact and What to Expect Next
Chase Elliott’s dedication to his craft and his cautious optimism reflect the fierce competition at Bowman Gray, where strategy and adaptability are crucial. His experienced perspective on the evolving NASCAR championship format also underscores the sport’s efforts to balance tradition with innovation.
Fans can expect an electrifying showdown as Elliott, Blaney, and other top drivers navigate the unique challenges of Bowman Gray Stadium. The race not only tests skill and speed but also sets the tone for the remainder of the NASCAR season, making every lap critical.
With seasoned drivers and freshly adjusted rules shaping the landscape, the upcoming Cook Out Clash promises high stakes and memorable moments that will resonate throughout the motorsports community.
Chase Elliott is the defending winner of the Clash at Bowman Gray. As he told us last week at FOX Sports production day, he is looking forward to the exhibition race, which is scheduled for Sunday night: @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/yn5E2TjJKz
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 28, 2026
