FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Chase Elliott drove backward on the track after an emotional victory that could really get the 2020 Cup champion headed in the right direction again.
It was a lot of relief for the 28-year-old driver who is part of NASCAR’s winningest team, and a tribute to Alan Kulwicki, who more three decades ago was an old-school driver much like Elliott’s father was.
After 42 races over 18 months without a victory, the younger Elliott won in double overtime Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway, crossing the finish line under the track record-matching 16th caution that came out after he had already taken the white flag as the leader. He then copied Kulwicki’s trademark celebration with a victory lap driving the opposite way.
“It’s been a dream of mine to pay respect to the late Alan Kulwicki,” Elliott said. “It was pretty emotional for me. He beat dad back in the day.”