It’s very rare to see Chase Elliott being animated or showing more emotions than what’s necessary for his interviews or press interactions. In fact, it could even be said that, in this regard, the Hendrick Motorsports driver is the complete opposite of someone like Kyle Busch.

However, that wasn’t the case after qualifying for the Richmond Cup race.

Elliott’s post-qualifying interview featured a side of him that not many have seen or experienced. The #9 driver had a sarcastic smirk, and a smile, and was on a wavelength that’s typically associated with Busch, something the NASCAR fans were quick to point out.

WATCH THIS STORY: “The Game Has Changed” – Denny Hamlin Criticizes the New Normal After Ross Chastain Ploughed Through AJ Allmendinger to Win the NASCAR Race in Austin

Chase Elliott can still end the Richmond weekend with a big takeaway

Chase Elliott has been, by far, the most consistent and most successful driver this season in NASCAR. This is something that can finally bear fruit if he manages to score a good finish at Richmond.

The Hendrick Motorsports driver has been the leader in points since March, well on his way to winning the regular-season title.

Elliott is currently sitting on 847 points, with a healthy 119-point lead over the driver in second, Ryan Blaney. So if the 2020 Cup Series champion manages to score 58 points in the race at Richmond, he could clinch the regular-season title.

Now, this is a task, to score 58 points, that might seem big at first. But Elliott has five races this season in which he has scored over 50 points.

Obviously, he would know that even if he fails to do so at Richmond, he’ll have more shots to do so in the subsequent races. But he would also know that his eyes are on Phoenix, to win his second Cup title.

Read More: “Ross Chastain I Don’t Give a F*** Tour Continues” – NASCAR Fans Call Out Freddie Kraft for his Bias Against Ross Chastain