Chase Captures Checkers

Chase Elliott Collects his 4^th career victory, capturing the Geico 500 at Talladega.

Talladega, Ala. – April 28, 2019 – Anthony Holbrook – Bluegrass Sports Nation

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 10^th race of the season motivated to Talladega Superspeedway for Geico 500 Sunday April 28th, 2019.

At 2.66 miles in diameter, the Talladega tri-oval became the longest superspeedway on the NASCAR schedule when opened in 1969. In fact, many top drivers boycotted the inaugural running of the Talladega 500, questioning contemporary tires could withstands anticipated speeds. In 1987, Dawsonville, Ga. very own, Bill Elliott set the NASCAR record for the fastest qualifying lap at 212.809 mph. Cup Champion Bill Elliott collected 2 career victories at the famed track.

After NASCAR implemented an additional 1-inch whicker (speed reducer) to the rear spoiler, Chase Elliott – Driver of the No. 9 Hendrick Chevy captured Pole for the Geico 500.

Martin-Truex Jr. – Driver of the No. 19 Toyota controlled the point after Pit circulation, mid-way of Stage 1.   Ty Dillion– Driver of the No. 13 Hendrick Chevrolet secured the lead by passing Martin-Truex Jr. who battled fuel issues with 6 laps of conclusion of Stage 1.  Ty Dillion’s  was awarded his second stage win of the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Series season.

Stage 1 Results

1. Ty Dillion
2. Alex Bowman
3. Austin Dillion
4. Chase Elliott
5. Daniel Suarez
6. Ryan Newman
7. William Byron
8. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
9. Kyle Busch
10. Matt DiBenedetto

Taking advantage of teamwork, Chase Elliott teamed up with Hendrick Chevy No.88 –Alex Bowman and No. 24-William Byron to hold off any challengers as Chase raced to collect Stage 1 win.

Stage 2 Results

1. Chase Elliott
2. Alex Bowman
3. William Byron
4. Ryan Blaney
5. Austin Dillion
6. Kurt Bush
7. Kyle Larson
8. Daniel Hemric
9. Joey Logano
10. Kyle Busch

With only 4 laps remaining in the race, Chase Elliott seized the lead after a multi car accident involving No. 41 –Kyle Larson.  Elliott’s teammates guarded any approaching danger as Chase Elliott captured the first victory for Chevrolet in the 2019 Monster Energy Cup season.

Final Stage / GEICO 500 Results

1. Chase Elliott
2. Alex Bowman
3. Ryan Preece
4. Joey Logano
5. Daniel Hemric
6. Kurt Busch
7. Ryan Newman
8. Brendan Gaughan
9. Aric Almirola
10. Kyle Busch
11. Corey Lajoie
12. Daniel Suarez
13. Brad Keselowski
14. Austin Dillion
15. Ryan Blaney
16. Paul Menard
17. Ty Dillion
18. Reed Sorenson
19. Erik Jones
20. Martin Truex Jr.
21. William Byron
22. Jeffrey Earnhardt
23. Ryan Ragan
24. Kyle Larson
25. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
26. Ross Chastain
27. Parker Kligerman
28. Cody Ware
29. Clint Bowyer
30. Chris Buescher
31. Chris Dibenedtto
32. Justin Haley
33. Jimmie Johnson
34. Landon Cassill
35. Stanton Barrett
36. Denny Hamlin
37. Matt Tifft
38. Kevin Harvick
39. Bubba Wallace
40. Michael McDowell

Average Speed: 161.331 mph

Caution Flags:  6 for 21 laps

Lead Changes: 37 among 15 Drivers

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Race No. 11 travels to Dover International Speedway, Sunday May 5^th for the AAA 400 Drive for Autism / 2:00 pm  FS1