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HAMPTON, GA – FEBRUARY 23: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, stands in the garage area during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 23, 2018 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images)

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HAMPTON, GA – FEBRUARY 23: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, stands in the garage area during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 23, 2018 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images)
Recently, Chase Elliott became one of three drivers to conduct a test at the Circuit of the Americas. The other two were Brad Keselowski and Martin Truex Jr. The Penske and Joe Gibbs drivers gave a very positive verdict, and even Elliott was inclined to agree with them.
He also acknowledged that the Formula One and MotoGP paddock also visits the track often. According to Chase Elliott, the NASCAR cars may handle a little differently compared to F1 and MotoGP machinery. However, the action on the track could be a completely different story.
“We’re not going near as fast as those cars do, but I feel the product and the competitiveness on track. Us being able to race around each other is much more feasible with the speeds we’re going and how big and heavy these cars are,” Elliott said.
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What else did Chase Elliott say?
He continued, “I know it’s not the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’ of going through the esses and however fast those guys go. I do think the racing is better to watch. I think that’s what’s made NASCAR popular over the years, so I’m not sure why it wouldn’t be different here.”

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HOMESTEAD, FL – NOVEMBER 15: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, takes part in pre-race ceremonies for the NASCAR Nationwide Series Ford EcoBoost 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 15, 2014 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
While Keselowski and Truex had plenty of positive feedback after the test, the two drivers confessed that there is scope for chaos, especially since the very first corner is an uphill hairpin, the tightness of the corner would probably bite the drivers. In addition to that, the long straights can bear witness to several slipstream moments. Truex Jr even suspected that chances of 5-6-wide moments are a possibility.
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Without a doubt, the circuit in Austin is a massive unknown for the entire paddock. This is why every driver is so keen to be the first one to conquer it and draw first blood.
READ MORE: Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski, and Martin Truex Jr. to Run NASCAR Tire Test Ahead of COTA Debut
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