Chase Elliott heads into Martinsville Speedway with one simple goal: win the race and punch his ticket to the Championship 4. He sits 62 points below the cutline at the very bottom, so nothing short of a victory will keep his title hopes alive. Elliott showed he belongs on this short track with a fourth-place finish in the spring race, proving he can run up front when it counts.

This Martinsville race is do-or-die for several drivers below the cutline, and NASCAR wants clean racing with no funny business to help anyone advance. And though Elliott’s playoff numbers may be very unconvincing right now, his spirit isn’t, not one bit.

Elliott eyes balance for Martinsville magic

During practice laps, Elliott told the press, “The balance that you know I would like to have to be good. Second

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