☰
Chase Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion, is undoubtedly aiming for a smooth and drama-free Playoffs run this season. As one of the most prominent figures in the sport, Elliott took some time off from his busy schedule to engage with fans through a Q&A session hosted by Hendrick Motorsports on social media. This interaction offered a glimpse into his mindset and how he has navigated the challenges of the 2024 season.
The year didn’t start off on a high note for Elliott. The Georgia native faced numerous hurdles early on, struggling to find consistency in his performances. However, Elliott’s perseverance and determination to succeed never wavered. With his #9 Chevrolet Camaro, he and his team dived deep into the data from the first few races. By analyzing and understanding the shortcomings in both the car’s performance and race strategy, they identified key areas for improvement. This rigorous approach began to pay off as the season progressed.
From the race at Bristol Motor Speedway onwards, Elliott’s efforts started to bear fruit. The 29-year-old began finishing in the Top 10 more frequently, showcasing a noticeable improvement in his on-track performance. This upward trajectory has been crucial as the regular season draws to a close, positioning Elliott as a formidable competitor heading into the Playoffs.
During the Q&A session, Elliott and his Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Alex Bowman, also shed light on the complexities of working together on drafting tracks, commonly known as superspeedways. These tracks are known for the slipstream effect, where drivers can gain a significant speed advantage by following closely behind another car. However, Elliott explained that it’s not as straightforward as it might seem.
“It’s kind of hard,” Elliott admitted when asked if it’s easy to find a teammate on drafting tracks. “You can’t just snap your fingers and be next to your teammate. It’s a little bit of a process.”
Elliott emphasized that the real opportunity for teamwork often arises on pit road. “On pit roads is where we can really help each other,” he said. “Making sure we get on pit road, execute the pit stop, and obviously getting up to speed with your teammates or manufacturer partners or whatever it is. Typically it is that.”
Bowman echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the challenges of working together in the current racing environment. “It’s not as simple as finding each other,” Bowman noted. “The lines don’t move much as it used to. It’s kind of almost gridlocked here, lately at speedways. So, working together is really important. But you can only do so much.”
These insights underscore the evolving nature of NASCAR racing, where teamwork and strategy are just as critical as raw speed. The difficulties Elliott and Bowman describe reflect the intricate balance between cooperation and competition, especially on superspeedways where the margin for error is slim.
Elliott’s recent performance at Michigan International Speedway further illustrates the fine line between success and disappointment in NASCAR. Both Elliott and Ryan Blaney, another top-tier driver, were poised for a strong finish in the FireKeepers Casino 400. As the race approached its conclusion, both drivers found themselves in prime positions, with Elliott in fifth and Blaney in sixth during the second overtime restart on lap 204.
However, the race took an unexpected turn on that final lap. In a bid to defend his position, Elliott attempted to block Blaney by moving to cover the outside line. Unfortunately, Elliott misjudged the distance between their cars, leading to a collision. The impact forced both drivers to lift off the throttle, causing them to lose several positions as other drivers capitalized on the opportunity. In the end, Elliott crossed the finish line in 15th place, while Blaney dropped to 18th.
Reflecting on the incident, Elliott expressed his regret for the outcome, especially for how it affected Blaney’s race. “Hated to mess up Ryan’s day too,” Elliott said, acknowledging the unintended consequences of their on-track tussle.
This episode at Michigan serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of NASCAR racing, where even the smallest miscalculation can have significant repercussions. For Elliott, this incident is likely a learning experience as he prepares for the Playoffs, where every decision and move on the track will be critical.
As the season progresses, Chase Elliott remains focused on refining his performance and strategy. With his recent improvements and the lessons learned from challenging races like Michigan, Elliott is poised to make a strong run in the Playoffs. His determination to overcome early-season struggles and his commitment to teamwork highlight the qualities that have made him a champion. As fans eagerly await the Playoffs, all eyes will be on Elliott to see if he can deliver another championship-worthy performance.