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Dawsonville Today
By the People, for the People
Chase Elliott's Heartbreaking Daytona 500 Losses
The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion has yet to win the 'Great American Race'
Published on Feb. 7, 2026
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In 10 Daytona 500 starts, 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion and 21-time Cup Series winner Chase Elliott has been unable to win the Daytona 500, a feat his father Bill Elliott accomplished twice. This article examines Elliott's three most heartbreaking losses in NASCAR's biggest race.
Why it matters
The Daytona 500 is considered the most prestigious race in NASCAR, and winning it would be a crowning achievement in Chase Elliott's already impressive career. Despite his success in other races, the 'Great American Race' has eluded him so far, leaving his fans and the racing community eager to see if he can finally break through and capture the checkered flag.
The details
In 2017, Elliott led 39 laps late in the race but ran out of fuel, allowing Kurt Busch to take the win. In 2021, Elliott was in position for a top-10 finish when a late-race crash involving the Penske teammates of Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski shuffled him to a runner-up result. And in 2020, Elliott had to work his way through the field after qualifying 25th, eventually leading 23 laps before being shuffled back to 17th.
- In 2017, Elliott led 39 laps late in the race but ran out of fuel.
- In 2021, Elliott was in position for a top-10 finish when a late-race crash involving the Penske teammates shuffled him to a runner-up result.
- In 2020, Elliott had to work his way through the field after qualifying 25th, eventually leading 23 laps before being shuffled back to 17th.
The players
Chase Elliott
The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion and 21-time Cup Series winner who has yet to win the Daytona 500, a feat his father Bill Elliott accomplished twice.
Bill Elliott
NASCAR Hall of Famer and Chase Elliott's father, who won the Daytona 500 twice.
Kurt Busch
The driver who won the 2017 Daytona 500 after Chase Elliott ran out of fuel while leading late in the race.
Joey Logano
The Penske driver involved in the late-race crash that shuffled Chase Elliott to a runner-up finish in the 2021 Daytona 500.
Brad Keselowski
The Penske driver involved in the late-race crash that shuffled Chase Elliott to a runner-up finish in the 2021 Daytona 500.
What they’re saying
“Hailing from the same neck of the woods as NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, Samuel has been covering NASCAR for Yardbarker since February 2024.”
— Samuel Stubbs, Yardbarker NASCAR writer (Yardbarker)
What’s next
Elliott will look to change his Daytona 500 fortunes when he makes his 11th start in the 'Great American Race' on February 15, 2026.
The takeaway
Despite his overall success in the NASCAR Cup Series, including a championship in 2020, the Daytona 500 has proven to be an elusive goal for Chase Elliott so far. His fans and the racing community will be eager to see if he can finally break through and capture the checkered flag in NASCAR's biggest race.
