Chase Elliott wins 2nd NASCAR playoff race

Chase Elliott won at Kansas Speedway on Sunday for his second victory in three races, cementing himself as a championship threat late in a season in which mighty Hendrick Motorsports has lagged.

Elliott needed 98 career starts before he figured out how to close out a win. The breakthrough victory 11 events ago sparked his performance in NASCAR’s playoffs and Elliott bookended this second round with wins.

His victory three races ago at Dover ensured Elliott a spot in the round of eight, and the victory in Kansas City, Kan., showed he just might contend for the title.

“I feel like we are among those guys that you have to beat, and I think that is all you can ask for,” Elliott said.