Chase Elliott, known as one of NASCAR’s top road course racers, encountered significant pit stop trouble during the Cup Series event at the Circuit of the Americas on Sunday. Despite his reputation for consistent performances on various tracks, Elliott’s race took a major hit after a prolonged pit stop late in the first stage.
Instead of competing near the front, Elliott unexpectedly fell to the back of the pack, leaving fans and commentators puzzled about the sudden drop in his position.
Details Behind the Delayed Pit Stop
The delay arose during the pit stop at the end of Stage 1, which caused Elliott to lose valuable track position. He rejoined the race in 36th place, a significant setback given his usual competitiveness.
On his radio, Elliott expressed frustration, stating,
“The more I tried to be smooth with it, the worse I was,”
highlighting the difficulties he faced during the stop.
Comparisons and Prospects for Recovery
While Elliott’s day was challenging, it was not as difficult as Brad Keselowski’s, who returned to the track nine seconds behind Elliott. Despite the setback, Elliott retained the possibility of climbing back through the field, although his progress would depend on how competitive his car was during the remainder of the race.
With strong competitors like road course expert Shane van Gisbergen in the mix, Elliott’s pit stop troubles at COTA could ultimately determine whether this becomes a day of disappointment or recovery for the driver.
"The more I tried to be smooth with it, the worse I was," Chase Elliott says.
The 9-team went for a lengthy stop and fix.
— Alan Cavanna (@AlanCavanna) March 1, 2026
