By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief
After starting on pole for the Daytona 500, rookie Chase Elliott saw his hopes of a good finish evaporate early.
The 20-year-old from Dawsonville, Georgia led the opening few laps, but began to quickly slide backwards.
The heralded replacement for retired four-time Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon lost control on the exit of Turn 4 on lap 18, damaging the nose as the No. 24 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet hit the infield grass.
“I’m not sure, just got turned around there off of four,” said Elliott. “Got in the middle and got loose. Lost it and spun out. I hate it for everybody at less than 20 laps in and have something dumb like that happen. I apologize to my guys. We will try and get back out there I guess and make some laps.”
Elliott managed to get back out, finishing 37th in his Daytona 500 debut.
Image: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
