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Happy memories are always cherished! Recently, NASCAR took a trip down memory lane, tweeting about Chase Elliott’s 2020 Cup Series Championship win at Phoenix Raceway and celebrating the thrilling performance by the Hendrick Motorsports driver. However, not everyone was pleased back then, and it seems the topic remains contentious among fans, who continue to debate his accomplishments compared to those of veteran driver Kevin Harvick.
NASCAR is undeniably competitive, and that’s its allure! Most drivers give their best efforts and strategies throughout the season to achieve their goals. So, why was Chase Elliott criticized so much for this championship?
Chase Elliott’s 2020 Championship Journey
Chase Elliott had an outstanding 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season. He started strong and, despite challenges like flat tires and a few mishaps, the HMR driver managed to turn things around with wins at crucial tracks, including the All-Star Race and Martinsville. As the season climaxed, he maintained his consistency, following his team’s advice, and ultimately secured the championship title by surpassing fierce competitors like Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski, and Denny Hamlin in the final laps, proving that his hard work paid off.
However, some fans argued that Kevin Harvick, who drove for Stewart-Haas Racing at the time, was more deserving of the championship. Harvick had a stellar season, winning nine races and consistently performing at a high level. These fans believed his overall performance should have earned him the title and felt it was unfair that Elliott got the upper hand.
Winning the Cup Series Championship was a monumental moment not just for Chase Elliott but also for the entire Elliott family and his fans. It marked his first Cup Series title, a significant milestone in any NASCAR driver’s career, and placed him in an elite group of champions alongside his father, Bill Elliott. Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough for some fans who were upset by Kevin Harvick’s loss and still bring it up today. While most HMR fans defended Elliott’s performance, others argued that many drivers deserved the title just as much. The debate was heated, and even four years later, there’s no telling if it will ever be resolved.
Fans Debate Under NASCAR’s Post for the 2020 Championship Title
Many fans noted that Chase had won seven races that year, arguing that his win was justified. “People don’t realize that Chase could’ve won 7 or so races that year,” they said, citing statistics as evidence.
Another common theme was nostalgia for the days when drivers could start from the back of the pack and work their way to the front. One user commented, “Sad thing is that nobody is starting from the back and passing their way to the front in the current car. Miss the days drivers could pass,” expressing a longing for the thrill of overtaking and the skill it required.
One fan pointed out that if Brad Keselowski’s pit crew had performed better during a crucial moment in the race, he might have caught up to Chase. They felt that Brad was racing incredibly well and could have taken the lead if not for a pit stop mishap. “If Brad’s pit crew does their job on the last stop, the 2 catches that 9. That long run to the end, Brad was absolutely a rocketship,” they said.
Some fans also believed Elliott was handed the championship because he’s the “popular golden boy,” arguing that it was always supposed to be Harvick’s title. They took a more aggressive stance, saying, “He should be in jail for possession of armed robbery, after robbing Kevin Harvick blind.”
The passionate debates surrounding Chase Elliott’s 2020 championship win reflect the deep connection fans have with NASCAR and their favorite drivers. Whether you’re an Elliott fan or believe Harvick deserved the title, these discussions are crucial to the sport’s vibrant community and keep the competitive spirit alive.