Chase Elliott endured a disappointing afternoon in Sunday's YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, finishing 36th after being involved in a major accident during the second stage. The Hendrick Motorsports driver started 18th and entered the event hoping to gain ground in the NASCAR Cup Series championship Chase.
Elliott demonstrated competitive speed early, recording the fastest lap of the race at 47.546 seconds. However, he was unable to translate that speed into a strong finishing result.
His afternoon changed dramatically on Lap 132 when a 12-car accident erupted in the outside drafting lane. Elliott was among the competitors collected, with the damage forcing his Chevrolet to the garage.
Although Elliott was eventually able to return to the
track, he lost significant time and could not regain a competitive position. He ultimately completed 147 laps and finished 36th, earning just two points from the event.
The disappointing performance dropped Elliott three positions to 12th in the NASCAR Cup Series Chase standings. He now has 2,223 points, trailing championship leader and teammate Kyle Larson by 218 markers. Elliott has been mathematically eliminated from title contention but will attempt to rebound at Martinsville, where he won earlier this season.
This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: Chase Elliott eliminated from Cup championship contention in 2026
