Chase Elliott is looking to stay alive in the NASCAR Playoffs with spotter Trey Poole missing for the second successive race.

Last week, Denny Hamlin stormed to victory in the Enjoy Illinois 300 at Madison. Elliott drove well, securing a P3 finish as he reached the podium for the first time since Sonoma back in July.

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Elliott’s performance was all the more impressive given that he was without his spotter, Poole. He was removed from the roster while on baby watch, and his absence from the team extended into Bristol. 

Tyler Deering replaced Poole a week ago and will return to the top of the grandstands for the Hendrick Motorsports car. Before stepping in to replace Poole last week, Deering had previously served as an additional spotter for the No. 9 team during road-course races.