Marina
On September 28, 2025, Chase Elliott electrified fans at Kansas Speedway, securing his 22nd career NASCAR Cup Series victory in the Hollywood Casino 400.
The 2020 Cup Series champion clinched the win in dramatic fashion, passing Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin on the final turn and holding off challenges from Ross Chastain.
The victory was Elliott’s second win of the season and propelled him into the Round of 8 in the NASCAR playoffs.
“This doesn’t come easy and you never take them for granted,” Elliott told reporters, reflecting on his hard-fought triumph.
Elliott’s Road to Victory
Elliott entered Kansas on the back of a fifth-place finish at New Hampshire and a thrilling win in Atlanta earlier in the season.
Kansas, however, marked a special milestone as it was his second career win at Kansas Speedway, further solidifying his dominance on 1.5-mile tracks.
The race was filled with drama as Hamlin and Wallace led for much of the event, but Hamlin’s steering issues opened the door for Elliott.
On the final lap, Elliott overtook both contenders before fending off late contact with Ross Chastain to seal the victory.
Race Results – Hollywood Casino 400
The Hollywood Casino 400 saw intense battles throughout, but the final top 10 confirmed Elliott’s playoff momentum.
| Position | Driver | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Chase Elliott | 22nd career win, 2nd win of 2025 |
| 2nd | Denny Hamlin | Battled steering issues, strong playoff run |
| 3rd | Christopher Bell | Consistent top-5 finisher in recent races |
| 4th | Chase Briscoe | Career-best Kansas result |
| 5th | Bubba Wallace | Led multiple laps, late fade |
| 6th | Ross Chastain | Contact with Elliott in final turn |
| 7th | Kyle Larson | Playoff points gained |
| 8th | Ryan Blaney | Steady run, playoff hopeful |
| 9th | William Byron | Battled mid-pack early, recovered |
| 10th | Joey Logano | Kept playoff hopes alive |
Playoff Implications
Elliott’s win was crucial, locking him into the Round of 8 in the Cup Series playoffs. With only eight drivers advancing, every race carries enormous weight.
- Elliott’s secured advancement relieves playoff pressure.
- Hamlin’s second-place finish keeps him in a strong position despite car troubles.
- Bell and Briscoe continue to show consistency, solidifying their playoff runs.
- Wallace’s fifth-place finish was bittersweet after leading for much of the day.
The playoff picture now narrows, with Kansas shaking up the driver standings heading into Talladega.
Why This Win Matters for Elliott
For Chase Elliott, Kansas was more than just a win:
- It marked his 22nd career Cup Series victory.
- Gave him momentum heading into the next playoff rounds.
- Reinforced his ability to close out races under pressure.
- Showcased Hendrick Motorsports’ continued strength in the 2025 season.
The Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas will be remembered as one of the most thrilling finishes of the 2025 season. Chase Elliott’s last-lap heroics not only earned him his second win of the year but also guaranteed his spot in the Round of 8.
With the playoffs heating up, Elliott looks poised to chase another Cup Series title, while other contenders scramble to secure their spots.