Aug 20, 2022; Watkins Glen, New York, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott (9) during practice and qualifying for the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
RacingBy Sean Keeley on

Driver Chase Elliott came into the weekend needing just four points to clinch the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series regular-season championship. He accomplished that goal and then some on Sunday, finishing the first stage of the Go Bowling at The Glen with a lead in the Cup Series standings that cannot be topped, even if with one race left to go.

Elliott was in a prime position to take the title after claiming the Busch Light Pole on Saturday at Watkins Glen International. On Sunday, he secured the top spot in the regular season standings and also earned 15 playoff points that will be added to his total once the 1o-race postseason standings are set.

The No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet sealed the top seed with one event to go in the 26-race regular season and has dominated all year long, grabbing the points lead in March and not letting up since.

It’s been quite the run for Elliott, who won the Cup Series championship in 2020, giving Hendrick Motorsports their first crown since 2016. He also has 17 career wins in the Cup Series heading into this weekend.

While we wait for Sunday’s race to finish up and see if Elliott can also claim victory, adding even further to his points total, the NASCAR world had some strong reactions to his regular-season title-clinching.

[NASCAR]

About Sean Keeley

Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Editorial Strategy Director for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.

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