DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Friday afternoon before the first practice session, Chase Elliott officially graduated from a NASCAR Cup Series rookie to a sophomore driver.
Along with his crew chief Alan Gustafson, Elliott removed the yellow rookie stripes on the rear panel of his No. 24 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet SS.
Elliott went on to run seventh in the first practice session of the day and 13th in the second.
The driver will compete in his first season-opening exhibition race in The Clash Saturday evening, where he will take the green flag in 14th. The Clash will air live on FS1 Saturday, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. ET and will also be available on the radio via MRN and SiriusXM.
Watch Elliott remove his rookie stripe below.