It appeared as if Chase Elliott was finally going to break through and win his first Cup Series race. Elliott led for several laps late at Martinsville, and he was hovering around the top of the field before a caution flag came out for Joey Logano.
On the restart after the caution, Elliott and Denny Hamlin made contact, then Elliott crashed into the wall.
Wow. What a wild restart that ends with Chase Elliott in the wall after contact with Denny Hamlin! #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/DXDHyzZBBM
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 29, 2017
Related: Driver done early at Martinsville after getting clipped by Danica Patrick
Elliott crashed into Hamlin after the race, and the two drivers exchanged words.
Elliott clearly told Hamlin, "You wrecked me."
Time for a lip-reading contest. ?#2the4ront #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/7K24oz6Y1n
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 29, 2017
Elliott certainly thought he'd have a chance to win had he and Hamlin not collided, and it would've been the first win of Elliott's career. The victory would have automatically clinched a spot for him in the championship race at Homestead.
Now, Elliott will have to continue fighting for a chance to make into the final four, and his quest for his first victory will continue next weekend at Texas Motor Speedway.