FORT WORTH —
FORT WORTH, Texas — Chase Elliott captured his second NASCAR Cup Series victory of the 2024 season Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway, holding off Denny Hamlin in a dramatic final-lap showdown that tested both drivers' nerve and skill.
Elliott, piloting the No. 9 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, dominated much of the afternoon, leading five times for a race-high 87 laps. The 28-year-old Georgia native stayed ahead of Hamlin for the closing four laps after a final restart, crossing the finish line to claim his 23rd career Cup Series win.
Final Restart Decides the Race
The decisive moment came in the race's closing stages when a late caution set up a final restart with just four laps remaining. Elliott, who had controlled the race for much of the day, lined up ahead of Hamlin, the veteran driver known for his aggressive late-race charges.
Over those final four laps, Hamlin pressured Elliott relentlessly, searching for an opening to make a pass. But Elliott's car proved strong enough on the 1.5-mile oval, and he maintained his position through the checkered flag. The victory marks Elliott's second trip to Victory Lane this season, building on his earlier 2024 win.
Season Momentum Building
The Texas triumph continues Elliott's resurgence in the 2024 Cup Series campaign. After a challenging 2023 season that saw him win just once, the former series champion has now doubled his win total before the season's midpoint. The performance demonstrates the strength of Hendrick Motorsports' program and Elliott's ability to execute under pressure.
Elliott's 87 laps led represented more than any other driver in the field, showcasing the speed and consistency that made him the 2020 Cup Series champion. His ability to maintain track position through multiple restarts proved crucial in a race where pit strategy and late-race execution determined the outcome.
Hamlin's Strong Run Falls Short
For Hamlin, the runner-up finish extends a frustrating pattern of near-misses in 2024. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver has been competitive throughout the season but has struggled to close out victories. His strong performance at Texas, where he challenged Elliott in the final laps, demonstrates his continued competitiveness even as the elusive championship remains his career's biggest unfulfilled goal.
The battle between Elliott and Hamlin provided the kind of side-by-side racing that NASCAR fans crave, with both drivers pushing their machines to the limit on the high-speed Texas oval.
Playoff Implications
Elliott's second win of the season solidifies his position in the playoff picture and provides valuable momentum heading into the summer stretch of the schedule. Multiple wins typically translate to bonus playoff points, giving drivers like Elliott a cushion when the postseason begins.
The victory also reinforces Hendrick Motorsports' status as one of the Cup Series' dominant organizations, with Elliott joining his teammates in the win column this season.
What we know: Chase Elliott won at Texas Motor Speedway, leading 87 laps and holding off Denny Hamlin over the final four laps for his second victory of 2024 and 23rd of his career. What's unclear: How the rest of the playoff picture will shape up as the regular season continues, and whether Elliott can sustain this momentum through the summer months.