Chase Elliott rolled into Las Vegas with the kind of quiet confidence that usually spells trouble for the competition. Qualifying fourth, right behind the Joe Gibbs Racing trio that locked out the front row, the No. 9 looked poised to crash the Toyota party. Elliott backed it up early, finishing fifth in Stage 1 and keeping himself well within the mix as pit strategies and tire calls shuffled the deck.

For much of the afternoon, it felt like Elliott’s team had found that sweet balance between patience and pace. Yes, exactly the kind that wins playoff races. But as the laps wound down, fortune had other plans. What unfolded next didn’t just cost Elliott a strong finish. Instead, it might’ve derailed his Championship 4 hopes altogether.

Chase Elliott reflects on Vegas result

Chase Elliott

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