Kirby Smart wants his team to follow Chase Elliott's example

ATHENS, Ga. - After picking up his first career NASCAR Cup Series victory on Sunday at Watkins Glen, driver Chase Elliott credited a phrase familiar to sports fans in Georgia.

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During his post-race TV interview, Elliott said the mantra "pressure is a privilege" had been on his mind after hearing University of Georgia football coach Kirby Smart say it a number of times recently.

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Tuesday, the Bulldogs head coach responded. Smart said he knew the school sent Elliott a Georgia football jersey last year and plans to reach out to the driver soon to say thanks.

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He also sees a little of his team in Elliott, the popular racer who finished in second place in eight NASCAR Cup races before finally getting a win. Smart's squad could be seen in a similar way, finishing as college football's runner-up last season, losing to Alabama in the national championship game.

"[Chase has] had a lot of close, close finishes," said Smart. "For him to push it over the top, that's what we're trying to do as well."

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