"It's not a cakewalk by any means": Chase Elliott on the "craziness" of Atlanta ahead of the Speedway's maiden playoff race since reconfiguration

Chase Elliott has outlined that racing at Atlanta would be a challenging affair. The Hendrick Motorsports driver emphasized the "craziness" aspect of the 1.5-mile oval, as it's set to register its first playoff entry since reconfiguration in 2022.

The Quaker State 400 will mark the opening playoff race and will be hosted by the Atlanta Motor Speedway. The high-octane battle is scheduled for Sunday, September 8, at 3:00 PM ET.

Since its inception in 1960, the AMS has undergone multiple changes. The first reconfiguration job was done in 1997, giving the asphalt a quad-oval shape. The most recent work on the oval was done between the 2021 and 2022 seasons, with notable amendments to the bankings and the track width.

From an elevation of 24 degrees in turns, the facelifted version boasts 28 degrees of banking. However, the width was shrunk from 55 to 40 feet. As a result, Atlanta has become a drafting track and produces similar racing such as at the Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway.

Daytona and Talladega are renowned for birthing high-speed wrecks as the drivers steer through the speed trap just before turning, and, in many instances, lose control and cascade into a multi-car pileup.

Talking about the "craziness" of racing at the 1.5-mile oval, Chase Elliott expressed the upcoming debacle won't be a "cakewalk" and that the first playoff round needs to be "respected."

During a conversation with Racing America on "Sports Illustrated", the 2020 Cup Series champion said.

“The first round definitely needs to be respected because it’s not a cakewalk by any means. That is what you get when you have these short rounds every year, we put another speedway in there and you are going to get craziness. You keep fabricating this stuff and that is what you are going to get,” Chase Elliott said.

The 400-mile battle will mark the Speedway's second Cup Series race on the 2024 calendar. Chase Elliott has secured 3 poles and one win (2022) at Atlanta.

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"He said it, I agree”: Denny Hamlin gives his nod to Chase Elliott's take on Atlanta

Atlanta is infamous for severe tire wear and serves as a focal point while devising strategies. Though Goodyear will bring a new compound to the Watkins Glen Road Course race, scheduled after the Quaker State 400, the teams would have to strategize according to the hot temperatures at Atlanta to make the best in the playoffs.

Denny Hamlin agreed with Chase Elliott's verdict on racing at Speedway Motorsports-owned venue. He said and added (as per the aforementioned source):

“He said it, I agree. With a new road course in there in Watkins Glen in the Playoffs, with an unknown tire. Atlanta – who knows? I haven’t finished a superspeedway NextGen race, I don’t think in my entire career. It’s just, who knows what can happen. We might have to go to Bristol and win, but if that’s the case, we will,” the Joe Gibbs Racing driver said.

Bristol Motor Speedway is where Hamlin etched his maiden win of the 2024 season. The half-mile concrete track surprised many after unexpectedly heavy tire wear prompted quick strategies in the nick of time.

After the 220-mile race at Watkins Glen, Bristol will host the final Round of 16 battle spanning 500 laps of an action-packed weekend.