Chase Elliott's Chase hopes hit speed bump at Daytona

Chase Elliott concluded the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona with a 23rd-place finish, a result that did not help his position in the playoff standings.

A late-race incident involving Carson Hocevar forced the race into overtime, leaving Elliott too far back in the field to make a significant charge. Following the event, Elliott expressed his disappointment, noting his hope to gain valuable points to improve his starting position for the upcoming Chase.

Despite the setback, Elliott maintained that the starting seed for the Chase playoffs is less important than performance during the postseason. He acknowledged a recent stretch of inconsistent results but believes the playoff reset offers a fresh start.

Elliott stressed that regardless of one's seeding, success in the Chase hinges on performing at a high level. He is focused on executing races effectively and putting the No. 9 team in better positions, which he believes will be rewarded. The first race of the Chase is scheduled for next weekend at Darlington.