Chase Elliott will start at the rear of the field in Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race at Kansas Speedway because of an engine issue.

After being made to start at the back of the pack at Kansas Speedway, Chase Elliott survived further NASCAR playoff implications when escaping an early wreck.

To say Chase Elliott had an uphill climb in front of him when Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas started would be a massive understatement.

Cup Series champion Chase Elliott will start at the back of the pack this weekend in Kansas following an engine change.

The 28-year-old once again dropped out of the top-10 during the ensuing pit stops. Elliott made quick work of Brad Keselowski, who stayed out on old tires. He also worked his way by Austin Dillon, Chris Buescher, rookie Zane Smith, and more before taking the checkered flag in ninth.

It's going to be an uphill battle for NASCAR Cup Series Playoff contender Chase Elliott in Sunday's Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway. The driver of the N

Here is what drivers had to say after Sunday's race at Kansas Speedway: Ross Chastain — Winner: “This is incredible!

On one hand, Chase Elliott suffered an initial setback at the start of the Round of 12 for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs in needing an engine swap after qualifying but on the other hand, it would have been worse if it happened during the race instead.

Chase Elliott will face a tough battle at Kansas Speedway this Sunday, as an engine issue will force him to start from the rear of the field. The setback comes at a crucial time, with the Hollywood Casino 400 serving as the first race in the Round of 12 in the NASCAR playoffs.