Cup Series driver Chase Elliott won the All-Star Race in front of 20,000 NASCAR fans, the most allowed to attend a live professional sporting event in the United States since the coronavirus pandemic shutdown.
July 16 (UPI) — Cup Series driver Chase Elliott won the All-Star Race in front of 20,000 NASCAR fans, the most allowed to attend a live professional sporting event in the United States since the coronavirus pandemic shutdown.
Elliott’s No.9 Chevrolet triggered a roar from fans in the grandstands as it crossed the finish line ahead of the field Wednesday at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Conn. Elliott earned a $1 million prize for the victory.
“Tonight felt like an event again, and I felt like we’ve been missing that piece for a couple months,” Elliott told reporters. “It felt good to have NASCAR back. NASCAR is about the fans…. I felt like the vibe was back.”
NASCAR suspended its Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Truck Series seasons in mid-March due to the pandemic. Drivers returned to the track — without fans in attendance — May 17 for the Real Heroes 400.
