After an outstanding 2022 season in which Chase Elliott won five races, qualified for the Four Championships and scored more points than any other driver, the 2020 champion was considered the favorite for the championship in 2023.
The fate had said otherwise, as a snowboarding incident before the third race of the season in Las Vegas left him for a month.
What followed was one of the most tumultuous years of Elliott’s career, which was mostly put on hold after Elliott intentionally crashed Denny Hamlin in the Coca-Cola 600. After losing a series of races, Elliott missed the 2023 playoffs, despite having a solid season when he was on the court.
A winless and pointless 2023 campaign was disappointing and after a less-than-stellar start to the 2024 season, it looked like the No. 9 team had taken a step back.
The perception of Elliott and his team changed on April 14, when he ended a 42-race winless streak at Texas Motor Speedway. The win put Elliott in the playoffs and also reminded him that he is still one of the best drivers currently competing in the Cup Series.
After 19 races, Elliott had never finished outside the top 20, making him and the team no. 9 most consistent in the field. Elliott finished the regular season with three consecutive finishes outside the top 10, but that shouldn’t be a deterrent to those hesitant to pick him to win the championship.
Whatever the weekend, Elliott has the potential to fight for the win. Like his teammate Wiliam Byron, the first round of the playoffs is shaping up well for Elliott, who is a former winner in Atlanta and twice in Watkins Glen. Elliott may not be the most popular choice to lift the Cup, but don’t be surprised if he reaches the Champions Four for the fourth time in five seasons.
Good News:Chase Elliott Back in the Hunt for NASCAR Championship After one-year Playoff Hiatus
