WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. -- Chase Elliott won the NASCAR Cup race at Watkins Glen, holding off Martin Truex Jr in a scintillating finish.
It was Elliott's first career win, in his 99th Cup start, and 250th for Hendrick Motorsports. It also assured Elliott a spot in the playoffs as he became only the fifth driver to win a race outside of the Big 3 of Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick and Truex, who have combined to win 16 of 22 races.
Truex ran second to Elliott for most of the final stage before beginning a steady close.