CONCORD, N.C. -- This weekend, Chase Elliott returns to the No. 25 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet SS.
Getting a fourth shot at a Sprint Cup Series race is reason enough for excitement, but the fact that it comes at Indianapolis Motor Speedway makes the opportunity that much bigger.
“It will be an honor to race at The Brickyard this weekend and I could not be more thankful of NAPA AUTO PARTS and the Hendrick Motorsports organization for giving me the chance," Elliott said. "Growing up, this was one of my favorites to watch and follow. There’s something about Indy that is hard to put into words. It’s the atmosphere when you arrive at the track that feels so powerful."
So far this season, Elliott has raced in Sprint Cup events at Martinsville, Richmond and Charlotte, in addition to participating in the Sprint Showdown, when he earned a top-five finish.
At Richmond and Charlotte, Elliott left with top-20 results. Perhaps even more importantly, he finished 799 of a possible 800 laps between the two events.
“It’s the little things that matter in racing and (No. 25 team crew chief) Kenny (Francis) and all the guys at Hendrick Motorsports have gone above and beyond to make this a reality," Elliott said. "My goal is to build on what we’ve achieved together already this season."
His experience to this point has proven invaluable for the rookie, who is set to take over the No. 24 Chevrolet SS full-time in 2016.
Participating in one of the sport's most prestigious races this weekend can only help even further -- and Elliott is anxious to keep building.
"I feel like each time out in the No. 25 NAPA Chevy SS we’ve made gains and that’s what it’s all about," he said. "It’s a pure learning experience for me and these guys have given me all the resources I need to continue that trend this weekend at Indy.”
Last season, Elliott started fifth and finished 12th in his first career outing at Indianapolis during the NASCAR XFINITY Series race.
But in order to find success this Sunday, Elliott knows it starts with Friday's practice -- and Saturday's qualifying session will be crucial.
"We have to qualify to make the show on Sunday," he said, "but I couldn’t be more prepared and ready to go than I am right now.”