What does it take to win a race? Is it hard work, smart work, or luck? We have always heard work smart not hard, and we saw how this adage runs true at the Xfinity race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday. Chase Elliott was in no position to make his way to the victory lane due to his qualifying standings but with a smart move at the right time, he managed to do so. 

This was his first Xfinity race win since 2016! Of course, for winning, “luck” came into play at the final pit, but it actually was a pivotal strategic plan that shifted the game. But unlike always where the credit goes to the driver, this time there is another person whose input changed the entire game.

Strategic masterstroke propelled Chase Elliott from 30th to victory lane

Elliott was nowhere close to the win. He in fact had a terrible qualifying and started his race at 30th position. But a good strategic call and he raced to P1. However, this time most of the credit goes not to him, but to his crew chief, Greg Ives. After Riley Herbst crashed on the backstretch, crew chief Greg Ives made Elliott stay on track with the old tires, saving the fresh set for later use. And, this was the “secret” that propelled him to victory, as a perfect strategy became their weapon! And even though Elliott did lose positions after he pitted on lap 48, he regained it back pretty soon. Then a timely caution on Lap 169 provided Elliott with the perfect opportunity to utilize his remaining new tires fully.

When SiriusXM NASCAR asked him about Greg’s move, Elliott said, “That [Ives strategic move] won the race.” However, he also acknowledged that there were many other drivers who were far better than him. Elliott said, “Honestly, we were okay. We weren’t as good as 7 or 1 or a couple of the other guys. That was everything and someday that’s what it takes. Making a pleasant call, get yourself in a good position, run a smart race and you can have an opportunity, and that was certainly the case today.”

Throughout the race, Greg Ives showed patience with Chase Elliott, even if it meant giving up positions on the track. Luck also played a role during their last stop, with the caution coming out at just the right moment. In motorsport, there’s always an element of gambling, and this time, Greg Ives’s gamble paid off big time.

And right now, Elliott’s riding high on the spirit of his recent victory, but Sunday’s Cup race is even more significant for him. He will mark his 300th start for HMS—an important milestone!

Chase Elliott hopes to spend his entire career with Hendrick Motorsports

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Chase Elliott is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in NASCAR and for HMS. He has been with the team since his debut and this is his second home. Recently, after his victory at Xfinity, he was asked where would he want to end his career. Elliott said that while he doesn’t know how long his career will span, he wants to stay with HMS till the day it ends. He said, “I don’t know how long my career will go, but I would love to spend it all here. This has been the only home I have ever known in my NASCAR career, which is really cool. I owe everything I have to Rick (Hendrick), the opportunities and my life, just every bit. It’s been a lot of fun.”

As for the 300th start–it is a massive milestone for anyone and Elliot did point out that indeed it is a big deal. And while it might not look like the No.9 Hendrick Motorsports ace has been in the sport for that long, he truly is an OG! He said, “To be able to call one place home and drive for one guy is a big deal to me. 300 (starts) is wild to think about with a 38-race season. We’ve been around longer than you think.”

After the No.9 outstanding win at the Xfinity Series outing at Charlotte ahead of the Coca-Cola 600, fans and team must be excited about what’s next to come. And whether he will continue the streak moving forward.

What do you think? Will he win the upcoming race? Let us know!