Chase Elliott executed what many now call the Chase Elliott greatest restart of the 2025 NASCAR season during the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway, quickly moving from 10th place to first in just two laps amid a tense double overtime finish. This bold surge not only secured Elliott’s victory but also guaranteed his advancement to the Round of 8.
The defining moment unfolded under the final caution with 15 laps to go. While most front-runners chose to take two tires on pit road, Elliott’s crew chief, Alan Gustafson, made a daring call to fit four fresh Goodyear tires on the No. 9 Chevrolet. This strategy sacrificed track position, dropping Elliott to eighth for the restart, but provided him with the crucial grip needed for a powerful charge ahead.
The 11 (Hamlin) was better than us all day. The 20 (Bell) was better than us all day,
Gustafson said.
We needed to have an advantage over them to beat them. I wanted to give Chase an opportunity to have a distinct advantage over them.
At the final restart, Elliott found himself in 10th on the outside lane. What followed was a masterclass in timing, control, and patience as he skillfully navigated past competitors, using momentum to gain critical ground in just two laps.
Had a great push through (turns) 1 and 2. That kind of all started with (Brad Keselowski). Big run off of 2. Seas kind of parted and just was able to keep my momentum up. That was really it,
Elliott shared after the race.
The drama reached its peak in the closing corners. As Denny Hamlin aggressively challenged Bubba Wallace entering turn three, Elliott took an ideal position on the bottom groove, refusing to yield despite heavy side-by-side contact.
I wasn’t going to lift, so I didn’t know what was going to happen,
Elliott admitted.
I figured at the end of the day, it was what it was at that point. Wherever I ended up, I ended up. At that point, we were all committed.
This intense door-to-door battle disrupted Hamlin’s momentum just enough for Elliott to edge ahead, crossing the finish line a mere 0.069 seconds in front. The victory marked his 21st career NASCAR Cup Series win and only his second this season.
The fan response online underscored the race’s significance, with one declaring,
Bring out ANY old footage you want. That’s the best driving skill for a win I’ve ever seen.
Elliott’s combination of bold tactics and fearless driving demonstrated why he is considered a serious championship contender as the NASCAR Cup Series advances into the crucial Round of 8, where every restart and strategic move will be under intense scrutiny. This remarkable performance at Kansas Speedway not only highlighted Elliott’s skill but also raised the stakes for rivals still vying for the title.
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