NASCAR: Five Drivers Most Likely To Win At Charlotte

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Aug 19, 2016; Bristol, TN, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Chase Elliott (24) during practice for the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

The Underdog: Chase Elliott

Stats at Charlotte:

Wins: 0
Top-5’s: 0
Top-10’s: 1
Laps Led: 0
Average Finish: 13.0

Chase Elliott has only raced at Charlotte twice in his Cup Series career–once last season when he only appeared in five races and once earlier this season. While that eighth-place finish in the spring of 2016 is his only real highlight there, it’s his 1.5-mile racing that gives him a chance this weekend.

1.5-mile tracks have definitely been one of Elliott’s strengths this year. He has five top-10’s in seven 1.5-mile races this season with his best outings coming at Texas (5th) and Chicagoland (3rd).

But besides that, it’s his momentum and his performance in the Chase so far that sets him apart from the rest. Elliott has earned two third-place finishes in the Chase and would’ve won at Chicagoland had it not been for a late caution with just four laps to go.

Then at Loudon, he ran in the top-5 for most of the day before fading in the final laps of the race.

Must Read: Power Rankings Heading Into Charlotte

Hendrick Motorsports has been better in the Chase, and Elliott has been quiet but consistent. Look for him to stay near the front again this weekend.

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