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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 06: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, looks on during the qualifying heats for the NASCAR Cup Series Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on February 06, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 06: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, looks on during the qualifying heats for the NASCAR Cup Series Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on February 06, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Bless NASCAR’s stage system, because that has kept Chase Elliott as the points leader ever since the 2022 season started. Moreover, Elliott stayed a win-less points leader until Dover, all thanks to stage wins. But, the Hendrick Motorsports’ Golden Boy won the race at the city of music. Surprisingly, the big assist came from a smart pit stop decision under a caution flag.
It’s fascinating because a late-race pit stop hasn’t been Chase’s best friend. Surely that was the case in the 2020 Coca-Cola 600 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 06: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, looks on during the qualifying heats for the NASCAR Cup Series Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on February 06, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
In the post-race interview. Chase Elliott‘s crew chief, Alan Gustafson, answered whether he was reminded of the 2020 race.
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A CBS Sports reporter asked, “You know what the scenario was [At the 2020 Coca-Cola 600] that in the back of your mind when that caution came out, and you had to make the decision whether to stay out and hope everyone else behind you. Or, not or hope enough other drivers stayed out and you’d be able to stay out front or come in and risk everyone else staying out?”
To which Gustafson replied, “Do I get reminded of Charlotte? Yes, yes, I do, unfortunately, yes. Was it a huge influence on what we had to do here? Not really.”
Read More: “I Appreciate Him” – Chase Elliott Gives Ryan Blaney Credit for His Nashville Win
The crew chief for the #9 car seems to be confident about the decision. To be fair, everyone makes mistakes and the race at Charlotte 2020 could be Alan’s mistake.
What Happened with Chase Elliott at The 2020 Coca-Cola 600?
The 2020 race at Charlotte was going great for the Cup Series Champion for that year. In fact, he was leading the race, heading for the win. However, things turned sour for Chase soon.
William Byron caused a late-race caution as the #24 got loose.
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So, the crew chief decided it was a good idea to pit under the caution flag for a fresh set of tires. Unfortunately, only a few cars behind pitted, causing Chase to lose his leading position and finish 2nd.
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Surely, the 2020 Coca-Cola 600 was a sad result for Chase and his team. However, they surely turned the table at the end of the 2020 season as he won the Cup Series.
