For the second time this year the siren sounded from the roof of the Pool Room in downtown Dawsonville as Chase Elliott held off the field to win the Gander Outdoors 400 at Dover International Speedway. The win advanced Elliott into the Round of 8 in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.

On a day that was dominated by the Stewart-Haas racing team, their four drivers held the top four spots for almost 80 laps, Elliott pulled off the finish with a combination of solid driving and a risky decision from crew chief Alan Gustafson.

After Clint Bowyer hit the wall on lap 393, Gustafson made the call to keep Elliott on the track despite tires that were considerably worn having been on the car for over 50 laps. With the majority of the field taking the opportunity to pit, Elliott moved into first place and held onto the lead for the final 11 laps of the race, the only laps he led all day.

With two races remaining in the first round of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs the victory at Dover secured Elliott’s position in the Round of 8 and brought him within 45 points of the leader in the Cup Chase, Kevin Harvick.

The Series continues at the legendary Talladega Superspeedway on Oct.14 when Elliott will compete in the 1000Bulbs.com 500.