Chase Elliott recalls a ‘special moment’ with Jimmie Johnson following his first NASCAR victory
Chase Elliott says Jimmie Johnson helped him become a better racer.
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Jimmie Johnson and Chase Elliott (Credits: NKP)
NASCAR will race at Watkins Glen this weekend, a track where Chase Elliott secured his first Cup Series victory in 2018. It is an important race for the Hendrick Motorsports driver as he is yet to earn a playoff spot. Elliott missed several races this season due to his injury and has not qualified for the 2023 playoffs. He does not have the points or a win to be eligible for it. However, Elliott has a solid chance this weekend to win again at Watkins Glen and enter the playoff.
After this weekend’s final road course race, Chase Elliott recalled a special moment with the NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson following his first Cup win. During the 2018 Watkins Glen race, the road course hero Elliott had enough fuel to win. But he ran out of gas to complete his victory lap. His teammate Jimmie Johnson who pulled up alongside to give him the thumbs up thought Elliott was preparing for the burnouts initially. Then Johnson realized his car wasn’t running and drove back to help Elliott.
Jimmie Johnson pushed Chase Elliott’s car to the victory lane creating a special moment for him. NASCAR on NBC shared a video of this moment between the duo at Watkins Glen on social media. Chase Elliott recalled the moment and said, “So after the race, my dad was spotting in the bus stop, and I was going to go and absolutely burn it to the ground. But I ran out of gas…That’s such a special moment, Jimmie Johnson pushing me to victory lane.”
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Chase Elliott admits he will never forget Jimmie Johnson’s gesture following his first Cup win
Elliott added, “Which was really really really cool. That’s something that I will never forget… His friendship means a lot to me. I am very appreciative of what he’s done in helping me to become a better racer and a better person.” The No.9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 driver praised Johnson for helping him out and making his first NASCAR Cup win more special.
Jimmie Johnson has always been rooting for Chase Elliott. And there is mutual respect and friendship between the duo. After Elliott’s first win, Johnson stated he was proud and happy for him. He believes the Dawsonville, Georgia native is talented. Elliott’s first win was a day to remember, as who would have thought the seven-time Cup champion would push him to the victory lane and celebrate him?
Chase Elliott finished second and missed the playoff spot last weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He was disappointed and upset. However, the 27-year-old has another chance this weekend. Watkins Glen is one of Chase Eliott’s best tracks, and he is known as the road course specialist. He has two consecutive wins on this track, in 2018 and 2019. There is no doubt Chase Elliott will bring his A-game this weekend.
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Sugantha Meena
(493 Articles Published)