Chase Elliott recalls childhood playground as EchoPark race approaches

**Chase Elliott** took a trip down memory lane on July 13, 2026, as he prepared for the Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway, recalling the playground that once overlooked the track and noting his 9.38‑average finish on the new configuration.

Elliott explained that the in‑field playground, a favorite spot for drivers’ kids, was torn down during recent renovations. “They tore down my favorite playground,” he said, describing how the structure let youngsters climb and watch the race from a perfect perch. The loss hit him harder than any track change because, as a kid, the playground was the highlight of race weekends.

Since the 2021 redesign, the 1.54‑mile quad‑oval features steeper banking and a trimmed racing surface, creating a “super‑fast” environment. Elliott’s stats back up his comfort: a 9.38 average finish across nine races on the new layout tops the driver field, and he sits fourth in laps led since the overhaul. He likens the track to a “mini‑speedway,” noting that straightaways are shorter but speeds rival Talladega and Daytona.

The Elliott family’s connection to the venue runs deep. Bill Elliott, Chase’s father, claimed five victories at the former Atlanta International Raceway before Chase was born in 1995. Chase himself captured his first EchoPark win in 2022 and added a second in 2024, cementing a two‑time champion status. Last year he won the Quaker State 400, a triumph that feels personal given his childhood memories of the site.

Elliott noted that the modern generation car feels “draggy,” making it harder to dominate a race from the front. “You see some drivers get the lead and keep it, but with this car you’ll get passed,” he said. The short straightaways mean runs can pile up quickly, forcing drivers to make split‑second decisions about positioning and when to cut losses.

The Sunday night race, broadcast on TNT Sports, truTV, HBO Max and carried by PRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, offers Elliott a chance to blend nostalgia with performance. He’ll aim to convert his strong average finish into another win, adding to his family’s storied record at the Georgia track. Fans will watch to see if he can navigate the “drafting‑style” chaos and turn the memory of a lost playground into a victory lap.

Looking ahead, Elliott believes EchoPark will continue to evolve, but its core appeal-fast laps and tight packs-will remain. “Things can pile up in a hurry,” he warned, emphasizing that drivers must stay adaptable. For him, the track is more than asphalt; it’s a place where his love for racing was forged, even if the playground is gone.