via Imago
Jan 30, 2021; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; IMSA Series driving team of Jimmie Johnson, Kamui Kobayashi, Simon Pagenaud and Mike Rockenfeller (48) during the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
via Imago
Jan 30, 2021; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; IMSA Series driving team of Jimmie Johnson, Kamui Kobayashi, Simon Pagenaud and Mike Rockenfeller (48) during the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona is well underway, and Chase Elliott and Jimmie Johnson are competing. Even at the age of 45, Johnson is still going strong, and Elliott is greatly impressed. Recently, he spoke about his former Hendrick Motorsports teammate and his continued exploits.
He said, “I remember watching him run this race years ago. Always admiring that he was coming to do this stuff. It’s been a while now, but obviously he hadn’t done it in a while. I think, as he is migrating to IndyCar and trying to learn those cars, I think from a downforce perspective.
“From a performance side of things, this is way more in that direction than a stock car is. I think its really cool that he’s doing it, major props to him for starting this race.
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“I’m not sure anybody has worked any harder during the off-season than that guy. Trying to learn different cars, feel like he’s been driving something every week.”
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 30, 2021; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; IMSA Series driving team of Felipe Nasr, Mike Conway, Pipo Derani and Chase Elliott (31) during the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Chase Elliott confessed that it is really difficult to race into turn 1 with the other drivers milling around him. Elliott was also confident that Johnson has worked the hardest out of all drivers. In essence, the former Hendrick driver is getting out of his comfort zone and adapting well.
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How is the race panning out for Chase Elliott?
Despite starting from pole position, Elliott’s race took a turn for the worse. Initially, co-driver Felipe Nasr was able to establish an early lead. However, that lasted until he was forced to pit for emergency repairs, all while the pit lane was closed. When Elliott took over the reins, he confessed that he did not have such a great stint in the car.
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According to him, he lost a lot of time in several key areas. So, he hoped that the other drivers could pick up his slack. He also feared that he potentially damaged the car after he ran over a curb.
Regardless of what happened early on, he has to suck it up and move on. Once this race concludes, he will be back at the racetrack in a couple of weeks, for the Daytona 500.
