ATLANTA — Georgia sports fans have suffered gut-wrenching losses this past week: The Atlanta Falcons are currently 1-5, the Bulldogs fell to South Carolina over the weekend, and the Atlanta Braves loss in historic fashion to the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS on Oct. 9.
Even with the current losses, there is still hope for the Georgia faithful as NASCAR driver Chase Elliott finds himself in the playoffs this Sunday in Kansas City for the Hollywood Casino 400.
The field will be narrowed down from 12 drivers to eight this weekend, and Elliott is currently in eighth place. The NASCAR playoffs - though exciting for fans - but not as a racer on the brink of being eliminated form contention.
"Definitely an interesting situation for us, I don't know if it's exciting to be where we are," Elliott said. "But, we're definitely in a position where we have to do good this weekend, and that's the reality of where we are."
There's pressure on the Dawsonville, Ga. native to advance in the playoffs since Georgia teams have a history of falling short in big moments, but he's preparing for this race as any other in his career.
"A lot of times I think when you push too hard you can sometimes put yourself in more trouble doing that, than you would if you focused on the things that you need to be focusing on, he said."
Elliott has had success in Kansas dating back to his win on the track last year, so familiarity will be key in advancing to the next race in the playoffs.
"I think it's a pretty fun track to drive. The grooves move around a lot from the top to the bottom - it seems like the top has become the preferred lane over time there, and I think that will probably be the case again there this weekend."
Elliott will have his hometown rooting for him this weekend, but he also hopes have his "hero" watching him in his big race -- former Atlanta Brave and sports legend Chipper Jones. Jones has displayed support in the past.
"I have a lot of respect for him, and I was just glad I was able to watch some of his final years in baseball, and it's really cool to have that support from him and nice to see he follows what's going on in the NASCAR world."
The Hollywood Casino 400 race will start at 1:30 p.m.
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