NASCAR’s most popular driver is now a Cup champion, too.
Chase Elliott took the torch from teammate Jimmie Johnson by winning his first Cup title Sunday, driving from the back of the field to Victory Lane at Phoenix Raceway. The win for Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet was the first since Johnson, who retired from NASCAR after the race, won his seventh and final crown in 2016.
At 24 years old, Elliott became the third-youngest series champion ever, behind Bill Rexford (23) and Jeff Gordon (a younger 24).
Elliott’s car failed prerace inspection; the penalty cost him the pole and he was sent to the rear. But he raced his way through traffic in the first stage and then took control of the championship.
Johnson finished fifth — his best result since August — in his final ride in Hendrick’s No. 48 Chevrolet.
Elliott beat Brad Keselowski, who was followed by Team Penske teammate Joey Logano and then Denny Hamlin, who is now 0-for-4 in title races.