Chase Elliott: The Underdog Set to Dominate NASCAR's 2026 Playoff Format!
As the engines roar to life for the 2026 NASCAR season, one name stands out among the pack: Chase Elliott. With an innovative Chevrolet body designed for blistering speed and the return of the Chase playoff format, Elliott and his No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports team are primed to take the circuit by storm! The stakes couldn’t be higher, and NASCAR analysts are buzzing with excitement over Elliott's potential to flip the script and claim his rightful place among the sport’s elite.
Elliott’s track record speaks volumes. Since the introduction of the Next Gen vehicle in 2022, he has maintained an impressive average finish of 12.4—a statistic that positions him as the most consistent driver on the grid. Renowned NASCAR commentators Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi recently weighed in on Elliott's prospects, revealing their belief that the revamped playoff system is tailor-made for a driver of his caliber. “Elliott is amongst, if not leading, the series in average finish. This format is going to really allow him to just showcase what he does so well,” said Bianchi on The Teardown podcast, hinting at a season where Elliott could be a formidable championship contender.
Gluck echoed this sentiment, noting the significant impact of the Chase format, which rewards consistent performance over mere race wins. “I think he will be. He was second in average finish last year to Christopher Bell. He’s up there in points, contending for the championship,” he stated. With the stakes at an all-time high, Elliott's ability to rack up points through consistent finishes could very well make him a major player in the championship race.
This season marks a pivotal moment for Elliott, who, at 30, has weathered the ups and downs of racing life. His average finish rarely dips below 15th, a testament to his resilience and skill. The reintroduction of the Chase playoff—a series of 10 races for the top 16 drivers following 26 regular-season events—could be the game-changer that finally elevates him to the top. The cumulative points system means that even on his worst days, a P12 or P15 finish could contribute to a championship run.
Reflecting on his 2025 performance, Elliott emerged as a force to be reckoned with, notching victories at prestigious events like the Clash and races in Atlanta and Kansas. Despite finishing eighth in the standings, his consistency was apparent with a series of top-10 and top-five finishes. His average finish of 12.61, just shy of Christopher Bell’s 11.2, and his staggering total of 454 laps led cement his status as a racing powerhouse. Yet, despite these achievements, fans have criticized him for not clinching more wins.
Experts are rallying behind Elliott as he gears up for this transformative season. NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick included Elliott among the top contenders, stating, “Chase Elliott, when you look at his stats, they’re finishers. They’re old school racers, and I think that style of racing is going to matter to be able to gather all those points.” Indeed, the return to a more traditional points-based playoff format could finally reward Elliott's unwavering consistency.
The past few years have seen Elliott struggle under the “win and you're in” playoff mentality that previously dominated the circuit. However, as NASCAR reverts to a system that values consistent performance, the tide may be turning in his favor. With the fewest DNFs (Did Not Finishes) among full-time drivers and an unmatched 115 top-20 finishes in the Next Gen era, Chase Elliott is poised to seize this opportunity.
As the 2026 NASCAR season unfolds, all eyes will be on Chase Elliott. Will he rise to the occasion and dominate the Chase playoff format? Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a thrilling season for this racing icon!








