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Elliott Repeat Victor At Watkins Glen

Winner's circle with owner Rick Hendrick, crew chief Alan Gustafson and winner Chase Elliott. All three ar holding up two fingers in celebration of 2nd consecutive win at Watkins Glen. [Joe Jennings Photo]

Winner’s circle with owner Rick Hendrick, crew chief Alan Gustafson and winner Chase Elliott. All three ar holding up two fingers in celebration of 2nd consecutive win at Watkins Glen. [Joe Jennings Photo]

By Joe Jennings

Start of race with Chase Elliott in command of the field as he powers through the esses. [Joe Jennings Photo]

Start of race with Chase Elliott in command of the field as he powers through the esses. [Joe Jennings Photo]

WATKINS GLEN – In a virtual replay of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International a year ago, Chase Elliott and Martin Truex Jr. battled throughout the 90-lap race on the 2.45-mile road course with the Georgia driver winning out.

The track celebrated its 34th Annual Go Bowling at The Glen run.

While the statistics show that Elliott led 80 of the laps, Truex hounded his foe throughout the fray, finishing a scant 0.454. seconds behind.

“In all reality, I thought Martin (Truex Jr. was a little bit faster than we were and the difference may have been getting out front on the restarts,” Elliott said. “We came together once and I was worried about my tire being damaged. Track position was so important.

“This is a dream weekend of sorts as I have never led so much and wining the 3 stages. To have a weekend like this compared to the ones from the last six is enjoyable. I’ve never had a weekend like this.”

Regarding the fan reception, he added, “I have never been so far away from home and feel like this is my home track.”

Commented team owner Rick Hendrick, “Chase has shown that he can win on any kind of track.”

Driving the NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet, Elliott won for the second time in 2019 and the scored his fifth career win. And he led all three stages of the race.

Truex Jr. finished second with his Joe Gibbs teammates Denny Hamlin and Erik Jones immediately behind.

Said Truex Jr., “I just could never get a run on him. My Toyota was really fast today.

Ryan Blaney took fifth.

Rounding out the top-10 finishers were Matt DiBenedetto, Kevin Harvick, Kyle Larson, Brad Keselowski and Kurt Busch.

Kyle Busch ended up in the 11th place after encountering numerous issues and a bout with Bubba Wallace.

Although the race had only four caution periods, it was run off in 2 hours and 14 minutes.

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