The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series has seen Chase Elliott make a remarkable comeback after enduring a challenging season in 2023. With a victory and a strong playoff run that has carried him as far as the Round of 8, the 2020 Cup champion now faces a critical juncture as he approaches the cutoff race at Martinsville. Elliott is in a must-win scenario if he hopes to reach his second Championship 4 appearance in the Next-Gen era.
Kevin Harvick, the 2014 Cup champion, has voiced his support for Elliott, noting the dedication of the No. 9 Chevy team and expressing confidence in their chances at Martinsville. In a recent episode of his podcast, Harvick discussed how Elliott has embraced a newfound intensity on the track, a shift that has started to deliver favorable outcomes. Harvick is optimistic that this aggressive style will continue to push Elliott forward in the races ahead.
“The guy I’m going with is Chase Elliott. I think he’s reaching the end of his wick, in terms of aggression,” Harvick said on his Happy Hour podcast. “I keep noticing his aggression level ticking up, and with that, he’s consistently staying at the front of the pack. We’re seeing laps led now.”
Harvick continued to elaborate on Elliott’s progress, commending him for adapting well to the unique demands of racing with the Next-Gen car. He emphasized that Elliott has developed a competitive mindset that aligns with the requirements of this new era in NASCAR.
“He’s just getting a taste of it,” Harvick remarked. “I think he’s got it in him, and the team has done an outstanding job. The style of racing with the Next-Gen car is different—even for me, it’s a shift. The mentality that comes with this kind of racing is just different, and Elliott seems to have grasped it.”
Harvick’s insights shed light on how Elliott has evolved as a driver, embracing a more aggressive and determined approach that could prove essential as he seeks to secure his spot in the Championship 4. With Martinsville on the horizon, Elliott’s ability to channel this intensity into a decisive win will be critical for his season aspirations.
