A late caution set up a pit strategy decision as several of those contending for the win elected to pit for new tires while Elliott and nine others remained on the track.
On the restart with four of 300 laps to go, Elliott easily cleared Kurt Busch for the lead with a push from Ryan Blaney and held on to earn the victory in Sunday’s race that featured more than three hours of delays for lightning and rain.
Denny Hamlin finished best among the drivers who pit, ending up sixth.
The win is Elliott’s second of the 2022 season and both have come on concrete ovals. His previous victory was at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway. It’s also the 15th win of his career.
“I figured (the last caution) was coming but I was hoping not,” Elliott said. “Ryan (Blaney) gave me a great shove. I appreciate him doing me a solid there and getting us out front. So proud of our team.
“We had a setback there about halfway (he had to pit twice under caution for a loose wheel). But we able to get our Chevy dialed back in and get back in the mix. It was a long day, a fun day. Thanks to the fans for hanging out.
“We’ve had a pretty rough month, month-and-a-half. So, it’s nice to get back going in the right direction and getting a win is huge. To do it in a really cool city like Nashville is even better.
“Looking forward to that guitar (trophy).”
Blaney finished third, Kyle Larson fourth and Ross Chastain rounded out the top-five.
Completing the top-10 were Hamlin, Austin Cindric, Christopher Bell, Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick.
The late caution and subsequent pit strategy calls spoiled what had been a tremendous race by Joe Gibbs Racing drivers, who led 250 of the 300 laps. Hamlin led the most with 114.
Stage 3
During the break between Stages 2 and 3, the lead-lap cars all pit with Truex the first off pit road.
On the restart on Lap 193, Truex was followed by Kyle Busch, Elliott and Chastain. Hamlin had a slow stop and lined up eighth.
After battling side-by-side, Kyle Busch emerged as the leader on Lap 194 for the first time in the race.
Blaney spun off Turn 4 on Lap 205 to bring out the eighth caution of the race. The damage to Blaney’s No. 12 Ford did not appear to be serious.
Several lead-lap cars pit with Michael McDowell the first off pit road. Kyle Busch remained on the track and in the lead when the race resumed on Lap 210.
With 60 laps remaining in the race, Kyle Busch remained out front with a 1.1-second advantage over Elliott with…
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