Chase Elliot was seventh in the points standings entering the race at Bristol. He is the highest ranked driver without a win. The 21 year old driver had contact with Kevin Harvick and then slid into the inside wall and sustained heavy damage.
The playoff picture just got a little bit tighter. Chase Elliott crashes after contact with Kevin Harvick! #NASCARonNBC #ItsBristolBaby pic.twitter.com/6AOX297KKr
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) August 20, 2017
Elliot knew going into the race that he couldn't get comfortable without a playoff-clinching win despite his good standing in the points.
"So, it's tight for sure where we are," Elliot said before the race via Autoweek. "We need a victory to feel good about it. (NASCAR) isn't many from having a full playoff list of winners. We aren't real comfortable because in that position, you're not really guaranteed anything."
Elliot made the playoffs last year on his way to a rookie of the year award. Fighting back from this wreck to finish 18th won't let him relax, but it could have been much worse.
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