Elliott Eager to Erase Anguish of Daytona Loss

NASCAR's eight-time most popular driver looks to bounce back at Echo Park Speedway after heartbreak at Daytona 500.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After an emotionally draining and physically punishing Daytona 500 finish, where he led late before crashing, Chase Elliott is back in his happy place this weekend at Echo Park Speedway, just south of Atlanta. The Hendrick Motorsports star will welcome the respite after the latest of his 11 failed attempts at winning NASCAR's biggest race.

Why it matters

Elliott is one of NASCAR's most popular and consistent drivers, and the return to a familiar track near his hometown offers a chance to move past the disappointment of the Daytona 500. The race at Echo Park Speedway will also be the second event of the newly reintroduced Chase format, which many believe suits Elliott's steady driving style.

The details

Elliott led with the white flag in sight at Daytona International Speedway before his No. 9 Chevrolet was turned hard into the outside wall. He's physically fine, but the pain lingered from another miss at winning NASCAR's biggest race. At Echo Park Speedway, the 1.54-mile oval transformed four years ago into a high-banked "drafting track" similar to Daytona, Elliott has two wins and a series-best average finish of 9.14 in eight races since the reconfiguration.

  • The Daytona 500 took place on February 15, 2026.
  • The race at Echo Park Speedway is scheduled for this Sunday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Chase Elliott

A Hendrick Motorsports driver and eight-time NASCAR most popular driver who is looking to bounce back from a heartbreaking finish at the Daytona 500.

Bill Elliott

Chase Elliott's Hall of Fame father, who won the Daytona 500 in 1985 and 1987.

Tyler Reddick

The winner of the 2026 Daytona 500 who will start on the pole at Echo Park Speedway.

Alex Bowman

Chase Elliott's Hendrick Motorsports teammate who provided drafting help for Elliott's win at Atlanta last year.

Brad Keselowski

The driver Chase Elliott edged out on the last lap to win at Atlanta last year.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Just a huge bummer for sure. Crashing like that, it's never fun, but it's more just processing how close you were to winning. That can be a challenging thing. Fortunately and unfortunately, I have experienced other losses like that. You look back and run through things that you could have done differently, and that I wish I had. Just hope that we get another chance.”

— Chase Elliott (arkansasonline.com)

“Chase Elliott races a little like his personality. He's very respectful. He's levelheaded. He makes a lot of good decisions. He operates at 99% and just chugs along. He'd be the one I'd have circled that the format suits the best.”

— Steve Letarte, NASCAR analyst (arkansasonline.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.