Chase Elliott breaks down the key to success at Martinsville after ‘unbelievable changes’ in the Next-Gen era

Chase Elliott reckons Next-Gen cars have caused some unbelievable changes to the Martinsville race.

Chase Elliott breaks down the key to success at Martinsville after ‘unbelievable changes’ in the Next-Gen era

Chase Elliott (Via IMAGO)

NASCAR Cup garage is set for another short track challenge, Martinsville Speedway, this Sunday. The introduction of Next-Gen cars changed short track racing for ever, as traffic and lack of passing has made it really hard to host entertaining races. Now Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott has detailed how to be successful at the track with the new challenges.

Chase Elliott pointed out that track position has been the keyword at Martinsville since the start of the Next-Gen era. He emphasized the importance of qualifying and pit-stop at short tracks in the new era. The 2020 Cup champion also asserted that he wouldn’t have believed few decades ago that the track would become such track-position oriented.

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Martinsville Speedway has always been a challenging place, but it’s become even more challenging with this new car. The reason for that is just that track position has become so crucial at those events. So, it puts a lot of emphasis on qualifying and a lot of emphasis on your pit stops. That’s the case every week, but it seems like Martinsville has become probably the most track position-oriented event of the year. If you told me that five or six years ago, I would have never believed you.
Chase Elliott said via Speedway media.

The No:9 team would have big expectation going into the weekend after a top-5 finish last week at Richmond. This was his first top-5 in 15 races and has given the team a much-needed positive momentum going into this weekend.

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In case you missed it: Denny Hamlin urges Goodyear to be “more aggressive” on tier wear with Next-Gen car that is “horrendous” in traffic

Chase Elliott’s crew chief detailed the significance of Martinsville to HMS

Martinsville is track that is very significant to HMS as its where the secured their first ever NASCAR win. No:9 Crew Chief Alan Gustafson appreciates this history and significance the track has for team owner Rick Hendrick and his co. He also claimed that he and his driver is going into the race with a positive momentum.

ATLANTA, GA JULY 08: Chase Elliott ( 9 Hendrick Motorsports NAPA/Children s Chevrolet) talks to his crew chief Alan Gu
Chase Elliott and Alan Gustafson (Via IMAGO)
I really appreciate the history and I appreciate what Mr. Hendrick is doing for the employees this weekend and what it means to Hendrick Motorsports. I feel like our No. 9 team is gaining positive momentum and in a good spot. I’m ready to get there and race.
Alan Gustafson said.

Rick Hendrick would be hoping to see one of his drivers going into the victory lane on Sunday like Kyle Larson did last year. It would be a double delight for the team if Chase Elliott or even Alex Bowman successfully snaps their winless streak and secure a playoff spot.

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