NASCAR star Chase Elliott issues clear message to Rick Hendrick following Atlanta victory

NASCAR star Chase Elliott had a clear message for his Hendrick Motorsports boss following Saturday night's Cup Series race at Atlanta.

The 2020 champion won his first race of the season in the Quaker State 400, completing a last-lap overtake on Brad Keselowski to secure the win and lock himself into the playoffs.

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With his last victory prior to Saturday having come way back in April 2024, Elliott has come in for some criticism in recent weeks, with two of his teammates, William Byron and Kyle Larson, having picked up early wins and locked themselves into the postseason some time ago, putting pressure on the 29-year-old to do the same.

What better place to silence his doubters than at his home track, and post-race, Elliott also had time to send a message to Rick Hendrick, whom he thanked for keeping the faith.

"Some great partners, Chevrolet, say hey to Mr. Hendrick at home," Hendrick said after stepping out of his car on track.

"Thanks for sticking with me pal."

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Elliott: Winning at home was incredible

Speaking to the media post-race, Elliott reflected further on his victory and the incredible reception that he received from fans in the grandstands.

"It was, truthfully, a pretty surreal moment," he explained. "There’s really only been one other time in my career that I felt like — I don’t know. I’m not sure anything has ever matched that. It was crazy.

"I’ve never, like, been onstage and been a singer or anything like that. I would have to imagine it would feel something like that. It was such an incredible experience."

"I think it just kind of goes to show how great our fans have been to me and to us," the Hendrick Motorsports star continued.

"It just kind of really makes you appreciate them even more for really sticking with us and not giving up hope, ultimately being able to give both me and my team an experience like that, because their determination and unwillingness to quit on us is really cool.

"Yeah, grateful to have experienced that. Something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

"Winning at home was incredible the first time. They feel different. But this one, Saturday night under the lights, been a while since we won, just getting ourselves a win and advancing up on the Playoff thing.

"Just all the things that have come with this, that one was up there, for sure."

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