Final Laps: Elliott makes Darlington History with the first last lap pass for the win
The 18-year-old Nationwide Series rookie conquers one of NASCAR’s most difficult tracks in his first try.
The Lady in Black – a.k.a. Darlington Raceway – hates almost everybody. That’s why so many of NASCAR’s best over the last five decades have been brought to their knees by her icy demeanor. But at the same time, she has been known to have her favorites, just like she did with young Chase Elliott in Friday’s Nationwide Series race.
Kyle Busch led by 1.5 seconds and was seemingly cruising to victory until Tanner Berryhill's spin forced a final restart and sent the field diving into the pits for a final shootout. Elliott Sadler moved from eighth to first after the stop by taking just two tires while Elliott was among the competitors who changed four tires.
Elliott charged hard on the restart and was right in back of Sadler on the final lap. When Sadler got loose — Sadler said the two didn't touch, although they surely came close — Elliott was able to move past him and take the checkered flag.
"Man, that was crazy," Elliott said.
Then again, it's been a crazy time for latest Elliott to conquer the track "Too Tough To Tame."
His father won here five times and earned the nickname "Million Dollar Bill" when his Southern 500 win earned him the Winston Million bonus in 1985.
Source: NBC Motor Sports