By NATE RYAN After an emotionally draining and physically punishing Daytona 500 finish, Chase Elliott is back in his happy place — for the most part — this weekend at Echo Park Speedway. NASCAR’s eight-time most popular driver lives about 80 miles from the track south of Atlanta, so the Dawsonville native can sleep in his own bed if he pleases. That’s if he chooses to deal with the traffic. “I say it all the time, but I enjoy coming down here,” Elliott said a day ahead of the 400-miler on Feb. 22 in suburban Hampton, the second race of the 2026 Cup Series season. “It’s nice to have the option to go home. I’ve still got to deal with Atlanta traffic, but that’s OK and worth it.” The Hendrick...
