Seven years ago, 2020 Cup Series champion Chase Elliott had the chance to race for glory at the iconic Slinger Nationals. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, that dream was cut short. Since then, while the Dawsonville native did plan on going back again, the schedule would just not line up for him. Finally, after such a long gap, the Hendrick Motorsports driver is headed to the quarter-mile event in hopes of winning.
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He recently spoke about his decision to return to the track which he truly admired and commented on how he never ventured up this far while he was racing in the format and these cars back in the day.
Chase Elliott talks about returning to a race he wanted to do for a long time
Speaking ahead of taking his first laps at the Slinger Speedway, Elliott explained his enthusiasm for the upcoming event. Elliott stated, “This is a race I’ve wanted to do for a long time and we just never did it. It never worked out.”
He added, “Obviously, it’s a long ways to come here. When I was racing these cars a lot we just never ventured up this far. Always admired the track and thought it was really cool and it seems like a really neat event. Hopefully, we can go do all right. That’s the big thing now.”
Unsurprisingly, he isn’t going to be the only talent from the NASCAR Cup Series to head out for the event. Several more big names are about to grace the field alongside him.
Which other NASCAR drivers are heading for the Slinger Nationals?
As we approach the highly anticipated 44th running of the event at the central Wisconsin speedway, Elliott’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate, William Byron, will also be joining him. Meanwhile, Legacy Motor Club’s Erik Jones and former NASCAR champion Matt Kenseth will also be racing in the prestigious Super Late Model event.
Unlike the rest of them, Kenseth has seen massive success at this event in the past. He has won the event 8 times in the past and now looks forward to adding another trophy to his possession. The 2003 Cup Series champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer won the Nationals in 1994, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2016, and 2019. Needless to say, he would be the biggest challenge for everyone else heading out on the race track.
