It’s been three weeks since the race in Texas, and the amazing upsets featured in that race are still being talked about. Chase Elliott made a sudden return to the NASCAR championship scene after missing 42 Cup races. And the path to the podium was rocky and filled with obstacles at every turn. Chase Elliott injured his knee in a snowboarding accident in 2023, ending his playoff chances. His troubles were not glaringly obvious as long-time spotter Eddie Dont packed up and left. But remembering my previous burns helped me on the road to recovery.
Chase Elliott had faith in himself
2023 marked the first season that Chase Elliott left the NASCAR Cup program without a single win. However, he never fell into a gloomy mood. Elliott worked hard with the No. 9 team towards a slow but certain comeback in 2024. They climbed up the rankings after Daytona and never succumbed to a winless hangover. Elliott secured fifth place at Richmond and completed the podium at Martinsville. The six-time consecutive “Most Popular Driver” champion kept fans in suspense. In fact, Chase Elliott has found long-lost glory in the Lone Star State.
On a recent episode of “Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour,” Harvick asked Elliott about the relief he felt upon getting the coveted victory. Elliott replied: “Yeah, it’s my first time…I’m not really used to seeing behind the scenes in interviews. It’s strange, I’m getting used to it. Yes, there’s definitely relief in it.”
Elliott and his crew chief Alan Gustafson won 18 trophies between them. Therefore, while facing difficulties, he had to remind himself that he could do more. He revealed his seven-word mantra to propel himself forward, saying, “No, I know I’m better than this,” and adding, “We can do more, or at least put ourselves in the right position.” You can put it down,” he added.
Chase Elliott prioritized a difficult but inspiring journey over actual victory. “Of course, winning is just a bonus. I think things are getting better,” he added, “It’s not just about winning… It’s all about running, I feel like I can run. There is.” So things have improved over the past month or so. And whenever I feel like it can reach a new level or a new position and be competitive again, that’s the biggest hurdle for me. ” A tireless team gave No. 9 Chase Elliott their full support to overcome this hurdle. But Elliott had no problem letting anyone who wanted to go go.
Elliott recognizes the grim reality of the sport
It was sad to see Chase Elliott change teams in 2023 when he was in the midst of a setback. His old spotter Eddie Dont worked with him for eight seasons starting in Elliott’s debut year. However, when one door closes, another opens. Dont was replaced by Trey Poole, Chase Elliott’s own cousin. When it comes to this year’s No. 9 team, this driver and spotter pairing seems like a match made in heaven.
After the win at Texas, Chase Elliott reflected on this spotter combination. He realized that he needed to focus on who he had, not who he had lost. He said: “People will move on, get other opportunities within the team, get jobs outside of the sport. These things don’t last forever.” Elliott’s inspired thinking may be what puts him firmly on the path to a playoff berth this year.
