Race Night Thrills and Lessons Learned, From Top to Bottom at Bowman Gray

N. C. This race night saw some unexpected results and a lot of excitement at Bowman Gray Stadium. For some, it was a time of celebration and happy faces, while for others, it was a lesson in how risky the sport can be and a chance to get better. As the first race of the season kickstarted in Winston Salem, Chase Elliott drove through the pits and won it all. "It was intense, " he said, "Everyone did their part on the team and we kept going with our heads held high. " Elliott grabbed the lead late in the race and kept it even as Ryan Blaney made an effort to challenge. Ryan Blaney took second place, but he had a lot to say. "I loved it. Was that a good time with an amazing crowd. He refused to win it for them. " Denny Hamlin got third, with a great start. "I didn't make the most of the restart" Hamlin admitted. Bubba Wallace spoke out after a hot auto battle with Brad Keselowski. Wallace bumped into the 2006 Cup Series champ and he was sorry for out manoeuvring him. "It's was a top day for the team and I think it was my fault. I put a dent in Keselowski's race car, " He said. Ross Chastain's team made their way from the back of the pack to a sixth place finish. "We were making progress and lead the way with sixth. We're not up front at the top of the pack. It stuff like that, we need to get quicker. " For first-year Daytona 500 racer Austin Cindric, there was a big difference between practice and his results. "We got from the last spot to seventh. " Cindric said, "They made a lot of changes, and the last set of laps were smooth. " Tyler Reddick, after a restarts, "I had a fun time, but the tire put me in a tough spot for people to get to me. I stopped in a traffic jam. " Shane van Gisbergen, a new NASCAR racer, "Went to Bowman and I still had to put myself in bad spots and I got moved out of the way. " Chris Buescher could not believe the speed and skill of the drivers. "The team was hard at work,I am proud of the hat they men and women of my team put on to go forward. " Ryan Preece, driver of the No. 50 car, made a swift recovery after a difficult start. "The guys worked their butts and adjusted on the go. We need to progress to the Duels at Daytona and go back forward. " Josh Berry is proud of his car and team, and they have goals for the future. "I felt like I had a bit more potential, but overall, it was a fun start to the season. It is our first time out and we did well. We are also ready for the big show. " Kyle Busch, had a tough time at the race. "It was a true test at the start the car was a hazard and wouldn't turn. I got spun around in the race. " Brad Keselowski and the No. 21 Auto Wholesalers team started the race with a good set-up and some problems during the race. "I think that's the best we've been. The whole team shifted into high gear. We were glad to be at the event a lot of changes" Looking at the overall performance, Denny Hamlin said, "We need a good bit better but it was a good team. " After Denny Hamlin's insights suggest the preparation of a variety of drivers and racing teams are key to a good performance.