CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A single triumph, especially in an exhibition race, doesn’t guarantee future success. However, if we reflect on NASCAR traditions from just five years ago, Chase Elliott’s impressive win in the preseason Clash would likely position him as the favorite for the upcoming Daytona 500. Historically, the Clash, which ran from 1979 to 2021, served as a precursor at Daytona International Speedway to NASCAR’s most prestigious event, akin to the Super Bowl.
Drivers often used the Clash to evaluate which cars were contenders for the 500. A notable example includes Elliott’s father, who won the Clash in 1987 and then clinched the 500 a week later. Over the years, six drivers who won the Clash went on to claim victory in the 500, demonstrating the significance this exhibition carried in preparing for NASCAR’s highlight event.
In recent years, however, the Clash has undergone changes, moving venues twice in four seasons. It was held for three consecutive years on a temporary track at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum before returning to its historic roots last weekend at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, marking the first Cup Series race there since 1971.
In its current form, a victory in the Clash offers little more than a trophy and a boost of confidence as the official season kicks off. Despite the palpable excitement at the sold-out event over two days, the Clash now serves mainly as a nostalgic event for those yearning for the heyday of NASCAR.
Bowman Gray held races from 1958 until 1971, after which NASCAR shifted its focus toward larger markets and updated venues. Denny Hamlin, a driver who won both the Clash and the 500 back in 2016, expressed disappointment that the Clash no longer serves as a definitive buildup to the 500.
“I thought it provided tons of storylines for the 500,” Hamlin remarked, highlighting that it was once an indicator of which drivers had the strongest cars. He mentioned that in the past, dominance in the Clash signaled that a driver would be a formidable opponent, irrespective of their starting position.
While Hamlin hoped the recent race at Bowman Gray would generate excitement for the upcoming 500, it certainly raised the stakes with Chase Elliott’s victory. As NASCAR’s seven-time fan-voted most popular driver, Elliott’s triumph was warmly received by the enthusiastic crowd of 17,000. He claimed victory after winning his heat race to begin from pole position, leading an impressive 172 laps of the 200-lap race on the short track.
Despite this win, it’s worth noting that Elliott has yet to secure a victory in the Daytona 500, holding a record of nine attempts without a win. His best performance came in 2021 when he finished second but found himself more of a beneficiary of circumstances than a true contender, as he fell short against Michael McDowell.
Consequently, Elliott’s win in the Clash does not definitively forecast his performance when the teams arrive in Florida next week for Daytona 500 preparations. Nevertheless, he expressed hope that the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports team could carry some momentum into Daytona.
“I know it’s not a points race, but I don’t care,” Elliott stated. “These things are hard to win. It’s rewarding to finish first against such talented drivers and teams regardless of the type of event.”
“We’ll take the positives from this weekend while recognizing there are still 37 races left this season,” he added, demonstrating his outlook for the races ahead.
Elliott hasn’t been in the championship four since 2022 and has tallied just one points-paying victory over the last two seasons. Yet, crew chief Alan Gustafson viewed Elliott’s Clash win as a sign of progress and optimism for what lies ahead.
“I’m pretty sure everyone here wanted to win,” Gustafson commented, reflecting on the importance of the win despite its lack of points implications. “This win validates our efforts and team dynamics. It certainly should give Chase confidence for the races to come.”
However, Gustafson reminded that any momentum gained from this win will need to be reapplied once they get to Daytona and face the challenges ahead.
Chase Elliott aspires for NASCAR’s Clash preseason event to remain a preview for the Daytona 500.
