Chase Elliott’s Imperative Call to Action: “I’ve Got to Step Up” After New Hampshire Performance
In a stunning display of resilience, Chase Elliott clawed his way back into the spotlight at New Hampshire, but the NASCAR star isn’t satisfied yet. After a commendable performance at the New Hampshire race, he boldly declared, “I’ve got to step up,” emphasizing the need for improvement despite a solid fifth-place finish.
The atmosphere at Hendrick Motorsports was electric as the team showcased their potential, with William Byron leading the charge to a remarkable third-place finish. Elliott, facing adversity after a dismal 27th-place qualifying disaster, showcased his grit by recovering to secure fifth. Kyle Larson also contributed to the team’s success, earning stage points before settling for seventh in the final moments of the race. This race marked a significant milestone for HMS, as it was the first time in a decade that three of their cars finished in the top 10 at New Hampshire—a feat that ignites hopes for a resurgence.
Elliott’s journey through the race was nothing short of dramatic. He broke into the top 20 by the end of the first stage and managed to surge to seventh by the close of Stage 2, maintaining momentum throughout the final stage. This impressive finish marked his third top-five result in just 12 attempts at the challenging track. However, with the fierce competition led by Ryan Blaney from Team Penske, Elliott recognized the urgency to elevate his game.
Post-race, Elliott expressed his frustrations, stating, “Just hate I put us in those holes,” referring to the challenges he faced throughout the race. While he celebrated the comeback, he was acutely aware of the need to avoid such predicaments in the future. He praised his pit crew for their relentless efforts after a late stall, crediting crew chief Alan Gustafson for making pivotal calls that kept the team in contention. A critical decision to stay out during green-flag stops proved to be a game-changer, drastically improving his track position.
However, despite the commendable effort, Elliott humbly admitted, “Certainly, didn’t have anything for Ryan and those guys. Congrats to him, (he) did a great job.” His acknowledgment of the competition reveals a fierce desire to improve and compete at the highest level, affirming his commitment to the sport and his team.
As the championship battle intensifies, it’s worth noting that all three HMS drivers remain above the cutline, with just two races left in the Round of 12. Byron enjoys a comfortable 47-point cushion, while Larson is 41 points clear of the cutoff. Elliott, however, finds himself in a tighter spot, sitting seventh and just 14 points above the cutoff, underscoring the urgency for him to capitalize on every opportunity moving forward.
With Kansas and the Charlotte Roval looming on the horizon, the stakes have never been higher. The question remains: Will Chase Elliott heed his own call to action and elevate his performance to match the fierce competition? Fans and critics alike will be watching as the drama unfolds in the coming weeks.
