After winning the NASCAR Cup Series Championship in 2020, Dawsonville native Chase Elliott started his 2021 by racing in the Chili Bowl Nationals on Saturday, Jan. 16.
This was the first time Elliott has raced in the Tulsa, OK dirt track circuit, but after the race the Dawsonville native said he loved the experience.
Elliott finished in seventh place in his first race of ‘Championship Saturday,’ but needed to finish in the top five to move onto the next race. Elliott passed the most cars out of anyone racing in his heat and just barely missed finishing in the top five.
Announcers during the race said do not expect this to be the last time Elliott competes in the Chili Bowl tournament. Elliott confirmed this on twitter after the race:
Hate we couldn’t advance out of my race today, but appreciate the support of everybody out here @cbnationals and watching at home! I’ve had a lot of fun, and I hope I get to come back and give it another go for sure!! Thanks to the folks at Diaedge for making it happen as well.
— Chase Elliott (@chaseelliott) January 17, 2021
"I’ve had a lot of fun, and I hope I get to come back and give it another go for sure!!"
Elliott’s new Team Hendricks Chevrolet teammate Kyle Larson won the tournament for the second year in a row.
Elliott will compete next at the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 14.