Kyle Larson Holds Off Chase Elliott; Wins At Watkins Glen

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Kyle Larson Holds Off Chase Elliott; Wins At Watkins Glen

Publish Date: August 9, 2021

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The favorite did not win at Watkins Glen on Sunday, but the second favorite. Kyle Larson has taken his #5 car to victory lane for the fifth time this season. Larson had to hold off his Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Chase Elliott, in the final laps. This is the second time this season that this duo finished first and second at a road course.

Elliott Overcomes Penalty But Falls Short

Before racing began on August the 8, Chase Elliott was already handed a penalty. His #9 car had failed pre-race inspection multiple times. In accordance with the NASCAR rule book, Elliott was put towards the back of the starting grid for the race. If overcoming that was hard enough for Elliott, his crew chief was also suspended for the race as a result of the failed inspections.

Chase Elliott reacts to coming up just short of the race win. (Via Getty Images)

Even with those major setbacks for NASCAR’s young star, no one counted him out of the race. Chase Elliott’s skills on road courses are unmatched. If a driver needs to pass over 30 cars on a road course, the driver that will do it is Chase Elliott. And that is exactly what he did on Sunday.

Elliott managed to carve his way through the field. By the final laps, he was closing in on his teammate Kyle Larson in the lead. Most likely the only reason why Elliott did not pass Larson is most likely due to tire issues early in the race. Had Elliott not needed to make tire adjustments early, he easily could have been the one in victory lane.

Larson And Hendrick Motorsports On Top Again

Despite Chase falling short though, it was still smiles for Hendrick Motorsports. This marks the fifth win for Kyle Larson and the 10th win overall for Hendrick Motorsports this season. This marks a career high for wins in a season for Larson. For Hendrick Motorsports as a team though, this is just another win to their name at Watkins Glen.