Cool Down Lap Ends In Disappointment

Chase Elliott's First NASCAR Cup Series Win Dampened by Fuel Shortage

Cool-Down Lap Ends in Disappointment

Talladega Superspeedway, Ala. - October 14, 2018

Chase Elliott's first NASCAR Cup Series win came with a disappointing twist on Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway. After taking the checkered flag in his No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, Elliott ran out of fuel on the cool-down lap, forcing him to park his car on the apron.

Elliott led 151 of the race's 190 laps, but his race appeared over when he pitted with less than four laps to go for what seemed like a fuel stop. Multiple drivers, including Kyle Busch, took the lead as Elliott fell back.

However, as the race neared its conclusion, Busch's engine blew up, causing a caution. This gave Elliott another opportunity, and as the field slowed for the restart, several drivers ran out of fuel. Elliott, who had saved fuel during his previous pit stop, was able to conserve enough to hold off seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson in a two-lap sprint to the finish.

Elliott's victory is his first in NASCAR's premier series and makes him the youngest-ever winner at Talladega. However, the disappointment of running out of fuel on his victory lap overshadowed the excitement of his triumph.