Chase Elliott delights fans with an additional race in Daytona schedule
2020 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Chase Elliott will drive the Gates Hydraulics/NAPA Auto Care #35 Chevrolet Silverado RST for the McAnally Hilgemann Racing team during the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series opener at Daytona International Speedway on June 17 February 2023.
The 27-year-old will do double duty on the 2.5-mile long track while competing in the Cup Series season-opening Daytona 500.
NextEra Energy 250 will mark Elliott’s 18th career start in NASCAR’s third-tier series. The season opener also marks the start of the 33rd year of McAnally Hilgemann Racing’s partnership with NAPA and NAPA Auto Care.
In a statement, team owner Bill McAnally said the team is thrilled to have the former Cup Series champion racing the No. 35 truck at Daytona International Speedway. He also said Elliott’s presence would help Jake Garcia and the whole team.
McAnally said:
“I think our team has incredible potential to make a lot of noise this year, and we have the people to make it happen. We are thrilled to have Chase step in and drive our #35 Gates Hydraulics Chevy to Daytona and everyone involved in our program is thrilled and happy that he can do it.” “I think his presence at Daytona will benefit Jake (Garcia ) and our whole group.
Jake Garcia will drive the #35 truck full-time from Las Vegas Motor Speedway on his 18th birthday, March 3, 2023.
Mark Hillman, #35 McAnally Hilgemann Racing crew chief, returns to the pits for the third consecutive year and will work with Chase Elliott at Daytona International Speedway. He has previously worked with Derek Kraus and Colby Howard.
Chase Elliott talked about joining the Truck Series team at Daytona International Speedway
In his five Truck Series seasons as a part-time driver, Chase Elliott won three races, 14 top 10s and three poles in 12 starts. The 2023 season opener will be its first racing series at Daytona International Speedway.
In a statement released by the team, Elliott said:
“This will be the first time I’ve driven a truck at Daytona, let alone a superspeedway. There’s no better team owner to do that than Bill McAnally, as he’s been involved in racing and associated with NAPA for a long time.
Catch Chase Elliott in action during the NASCAR season opener weekend at Daytona International Speedway February 17-19, 2023.