Chase Elliott Explains Importance of Winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 as He Aims for 2021 Title

The 2021 racing calendar has already seen Chase Elliott take part in the famed Chili Bowl and Rolex 24 at Daytona. With the conclusion of both these spectacles, his attention now shifts towards preparing for the all-important NASCAR season.

The campaign opener, which is the Daytona 500, has a rich history associated with itself. So, much like every NASCAR driver, the Hendrick Motorsports driver definitely has a desire to win the ‘Great American Race.’

Speaking to a podcast, Elliott stated, “Obviously a great event, you know, and an exciting event to start our season. The history around it, I think about this event, I think about the ’79 500.”

The Daytona 500 is a ‘great’ and ‘exciting’ race, says Chase Elliott

“And really that race to me, without that event, does NASCAR propel into what it turned into, live TV and the excitement that brought? Is NASCAR this without that race?”

Elliott now has a Cup Series title to his name but is still missing a Daytona 500 trophy in his cabinet. With Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin being the recent victor, he will prove to be an immensely fierce rival when all the drivers get down to racing at the Daytona International Speedway.

The 25-year-old continued, “So I think about, the history of the event more than I do anything else and it’s a great race, an exciting race. A race that everybody wants to win, and it’d be a great event to add your name to, and hopefully I can one day.”

Elliott will be among the contenders to usurp Hamlin as Daytona 500 winner

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It is a surprise that Elliott does not have even one top-10 finish in his five Daytona 500 starts. Interestingly, he had claimed pole positions in both 2016 and 2017 but failed to convert them into race-winning opportunities.

That said, Elliott is a much better driver now, and his improved racecraft led to his Cup Series title victory. His endurance to maintain the pace in the closing stages of the races has also given him good points finishes.

Therefore, this could well be the year that the Hendrick Motorsports No.9 seriously contends for the Daytona 500 crown. By possibly winning it, he could set down a solid foundation, en route also making a successful title defense.

MORE – Chase Elliott Reveals Which Race He is ‘Most Interested In’ for the 2021 NASCAR Cup Season