Chase Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion, has quietly pieced together one of the most consistent and impressive seasons of his career. The driver of the #9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet has earned 14 top-10 finishes, eight top-fives, and secured a win at Texas Motor Speedway in April. Although his season may not have come with the same buzz or fanfare as previous years, Elliott’s steady performance has positioned him as a serious contender as the playoffs progress.
Elliott’s consistency in the regular season has translated well into the postseason. Two top-10 finishes, including a runner-up finish at Bristol, allowed him to comfortably advance through the Round of 16. Now, as the playoffs move forward, Elliott and his team have their sights set on pushing through the Round of 12 and making a deep run toward a championship. However, as NASCAR’s six-time Most Popular Driver, Elliott’s fans are eager to see if he can maintain his strong form and continue advancing.
Elliott’s Strong Showing in the Round of 16
In the Round of 16, Elliott displayed the same consistency that had been the hallmark of his regular season. According to stats collected by X user Trey Ryan, a self-proclaimed NASCAR stat expert, Elliott posted an impressive average finish of 9.67 in the first playoff round, ranking third in the series. Only fellow playoff contender Christopher Bell (7.67) and non-playoff driver Ross Chastain (9.00) had better averages during this stretch.
This level of performance in the early stages of the playoffs bodes well for Elliott’s chances of advancing deeper into the postseason. Consistency has always been key in the playoffs, and if Elliott can continue to maintain one of the top-three average finishes, it should give him a strong chance to move into the Round of 8 without much difficulty. What makes Elliott’s case even stronger is that his average finish not only surpassed many of his playoff rivals, but he also regularly outran drivers hovering around the cut line, including Joey Logano and Alex Bowman.
Elliott’s solid finish in the Round of 16, however, isn’t an isolated success. The Georgia native has been known to perform well under playoff pressure, and his ability to navigate the intensity of these high-stakes races makes him a tough competitor for the rest of the field. While some drivers struggle with the increased pressure in the postseason, Elliott has proven time and again that he can elevate his game when it matters most.
Elliott’s Track Record at Upcoming Playoff Venues Could Be the Deciding Factor
One of the strongest arguments in favor of Elliott’s ability to advance to the Round of 8 is his history of success at the next three tracks in the Round of 12: Kansas Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, and the Charlotte Roval. Each of these venues presents unique challenges, but Elliott has consistently shown he can handle whatever is thrown his way.
The first race in the Round of 12 will be held at Kansas Speedway, a 1.5-mile track where Elliott has been particularly strong in recent years. In his last three appearances at Kansas, Elliott has earned three top-10 finishes, demonstrating his comfort on the track. Furthermore, he has a victory at Kansas, winning in 2018 to solidify his status as one of the top drivers in the series. His ability to consistently run well at Kansas could provide him with a strong start to the Round of 12 and build momentum heading into the next two races.
Talladega Superspeedway, the second race of the round, is another track where Elliott has shown his prowess. Known for its high speeds and unpredictable finishes, Talladega is one of the wildcards of the playoffs, but Elliott’s record there speaks for itself. He has won twice at Talladega, with his most recent victory coming in the fall of 2022, which clinched his spot in the Round of 8 last year. With his ability to navigate the chaotic nature of superspeedway racing, Elliott will be a driver to watch closely at Talladega.
The final race of the Round of 12 is at the Charlotte Roval, a track that has become synonymous with road course racing in the Cup Series. Elliott, widely regarded as one of the best road course drivers in NASCAR, has seven road course wins to his name, more than any active driver. Of those, two have come at the Charlotte Roval, making him a dominant force at this unique hybrid track. With such a proven record at these three tracks, Elliott’s chances of advancing to the Round of 8 are bolstered by his past success and ability to perform under pressure.
Elliott’s Slim Lead Over the Cut Line: Will Consistency Be Enough?
Heading into the Round of 12, Elliott finds himself seventh in the playoff standings, with a six-point cushion over the cut line. While six points may not seem like a large margin, Elliott’s consistent performances, particularly in the first round of the playoffs, suggest he has what it takes to maintain his position. His seven-position advantage over Joey Logano in average finish rankings during the Round of 16 (9.67 for Elliott versus 14.67 for Logano) gives him an edge as they head into this next round.
Additionally, Elliott has outperformed the drivers currently below the cut line, including Austin Cindric, Daniel Suárez, Alex Bowman, and Chase Briscoe. His strong performances relative to these drivers should help him maintain his position above the cut-off, assuming he continues to post solid results in the upcoming races.
Conclusion
Chase Elliott’s quiet yet consistent season has positioned him as a serious contender in the 2023 playoffs. With a history of success at the upcoming tracks, strong recent performances, and a solid average finish in the Round of 16, Elliott has all the tools to advance to the Round of 8. While the margin between him and the cut line may be narrow, his proven ability to handle high-pressure situations and his consistency on the track could be the key to his postseason success. Fans should keep a close eye on Elliott as he continues his push for another championship.
