Sat Sep 21 11:38:58 UTC 2024: ## NASCAR Playoffs Heat Up at Bristol: Chase Elliott a Surprise Contender for Night Race Win

**BRISTOL, TN -** The NASCAR Playoffs continue with the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, where the championship field will be cut from 16 to 12 drivers. The race, set for 7:30 p.m. ET, is expected to be a thrilling event at the iconic 0.533-mile short track.

While favorites like Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell are expected to contend, a SportsLine prediction model is pointing to an unlikely winner: Chase Elliott. The model, developed by daily Fantasy pro Mike McClure, has a proven track record, correctly predicting winners like Larson in Las Vegas and Hamlin in Bristol and Richmond.

Elliott, currently seventh in the NASCAR standings, is a long shot at +1800 odds. However, the model sees him as a serious contender. He has a strong history at Bristol with eight top-10 finishes in 14 starts, including impressive finishes in the Night Race over the last six seasons.

The model also predicts that Bell, currently leading the standings and a Vegas favorite at +550, will not crack the top five. This is attributed to his comfortable lead in the standings, which may lead to a more conservative approach from Joe Gibbs Racing.

Other notable drivers to watch include Alex Bowman, who secured pole position, and Denny Hamlin, a two-time Bristol winner.

With the playoffs heating up and a big cut looming, the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol promises to be a dramatic and unpredictable event.

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