ON THE TRACKS Sunday’s auto racing results

NASCAR: GANDER OUTDOORS 400

Elliott races to win, earns playoff berth

DOVER, Del.

Chase Elliott had been burdened by lofty expectations that come as the son of a Hall of Fame driver and the replacement of a four-time NASCAR champion.

As the close calls and frustrating finishes mounted, and wins eluded him, Elliott , 22, could feel the pressure tighten each time he slipped into the No. 9 Chevrolet.

But once he raced to his first Cup win, the second victory wasn’t far behind, and now the Hendrick Motorsports star pegged as NASCAR’s next most popular driver is thinking championship.

“There isn’t any reason why we can’t make a run at this deal,” Elliott said.

Elliott stayed off pit road during a late caution and avoided similar disasters that struck the Stewart-Haas Racing drivers to pull away and win in overtime Sunday at Dover International Speedway. Elliott earned an automatic berth into the next round of the NASCAR Cup playoffs.

Eight races after his first win at Watkins Glen, Elliott was back in victory lane again — another needed dose of good news for NASCAR following the rousing success of the roval race last week at Charlotte.

Formula 1: Japanese Grand Prix

Hamilton storms to fourth straight victory

SUZUKA, Japan

Lewis Hamilton stormed to victory at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, claiming his fourth straight Formula One win and moving a step closer to a fifth world championship.

Starting from pole, the Mercedes driver was never seriously challenged and crossed the finish line 12.919 seconds ahead of teammate Valtteri Bottas. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was third, 14.295 seconds back.

Hamilton has won six of the last seven races and now leads Sebastian Vettel by 67 points with four races left.

NHRA: AAA TEXAS NHRA NATIONALS

Torrence gets 1st career win in home event

ENNIS, Texas

Steve Torrence won the AAA Texas NHRA Nationals at Texas Motorplex on Sunday for his third straight victory to open the playoffs and first career win in his home event.

Torrence beat Terry McMillen in the final with a 3.786-second pass at 325.92 mph. Torrence has eight victories this season and 24 overall. He leads the standings by 103 points.

Associated Press