NASCAR

NASCAR Cup Series’ Chase Elliott Stays In Front Of ‘Chaos,’ Earns Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium Pole

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Chase Elliott at Nashville.

NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott knew it was coming. So he moved to get out in front of the situation.

It, of course, was the on-track “chaos,” the 2020 Circuit champion expected to experience during Saturday night’s heat races for Sunday’s Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gary Stadium. 

Qualifying for Heat 1 during the earlier timed practice sessions, Elliott remained ahead of the melee that evolved around Kyle Busch.  

“It went as smooth as it could for us,” Elliott told Fox Sports after earning the pole for the non-points exhibition opener. “I know it looked chaotic in the back. I’m glad I was in front of the mess.” 

The top five drivers in each of the four heat races qualified for Sunday’s main event. 

Brad Keselowski, Ryan Blaney, Noah Gragson and Busch also qualified in the first heat. 

In Heat 2, Chris Buescher earned the checkered flag, followed by Chase Briscoe, Shane van Gisbergen, Bubba Wallace and Daniel Suarez. 

 Chase Elliott: ‘It’s Good To Have A Good Saturday’ 

Last year’s Clash winner, Denny Hamlin, claimed the third heat, with defending circuit champion Joey Logano, William Byron, Carson Hocevar and Alex Bowman earning starting spots for Sunday.   

Tyler Reddick dominated Heat 4, running away from Christopher Bell, Ryan Preece, Austin Cindric and Todd Gilliland. 

The remaining three spots will be determined during Sunday’s 75-lap final qualifier.

Elliott said he was “proud” of how his No. 9 Chevrolet team responded to the unique challenges of racing on an unfamiliar quarter-mile track. The Cup Series last ran at the Winston-Salem, North Carolina track in 1971.  

“I know it’s not a points race, but it’s good to have a good Saturday,” Elliott said. 

On his gameplan Sunday, the pole-sitter said: “I’d like to stay in front and control (the Clash), but it’s going to be crazy, I’m sure.  

“Hope everyone will enjoy the chaos.” 

 NASCAR Cup Series’ Cook Out Clash Heat Results  

Saturday’s four heat races determined the top 20 starting positions for for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series’ Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium: 

Row 1 

  • Chase Elliott 
  • Chris Buescher 

Row 2 

  • Denny Hamlin 
  • Tyler Reddick 

Row 3 

  • Brad Keselowski 
  • Chase Briscoe 

Row 4 

  • Joey Logano 
  • Christopher Bell 

Row 5 

  • Noah Gragson 
  • Shane van Gisbergen 

Row 6 

  • William Byron 
  • Ryan Preece 

Row 7 

  • Kyle Busch 
  • Bubba Wallace 

Row 8 

  • Carson Hocevar 
  • Austin Cindric 

Row 9 

  • Ross Chastain 
  • Daniel Suarez 

Row 10 

  • Alex Bowman 
  • Todd Gilliland