Kirby Smart’s speech inspires NASCAR driver to first career victory

Kirby Smart’s speech at SEC Media Days inspired a NASCAR driver to his first career Cup Series victory on Sunday.

Chase Elliott, the son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, won the Monster Energy NASCAR race at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.

Before the race, Elliott watched video of Smart from last month’s SEC Media Days when the Georgia coach talked about the surreal expectations placed upon the Bulldogs for this season. Said Smart: “The pressure is really a privilege … Those are things we embrace at the University of Georgia. We can’t run from those things.”

Back to Elliott: He’s a lifelong UGA fan and native of Dawsonville, Ga.

In his post-race TV interview at Watkins Glen, Elliott said, “It’s funny, this morning, I woke up and watched the video. Kirby Smart had a speech about pressure is a privilege. I had that on repeat this morning on the bus, just thinking about it. I thought we had a chance today and I wanted to make sure that if we were in a position to capitalize, we did.”

Last February, UGA sent a No. 9 Bulldogs jersey to Elliott before he drove the No. 9 car in the NASCAR race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Coach Kirby Smart getting credit from Chase Elliott for pre game message & the win today @KirbySmartUGA @chaseelliott @680TheFan @BFinn86 @steakshapiro 🏁#Dawgs pic.twitter.com/NcReytX6nr

— Sandra Golden (@sportsandra) August 5, 2018