Chase Elliott’s 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season wasn’t a disaster—at least not in his eyes. The 2020 champion, widely regarded as one of the sport’s biggest stars, found himself outside the Championship 4 for the second straight year, leaving many to question whether he’s lost his edge. But Elliott isn’t having it.
While critics point to a single, uninspiring race win as proof of his struggles, Elliott is doubling down on his belief that he and his Hendrick Motorsports team were right where they needed to be—just missing a few final pieces.
“Didn’t grab a win in those last few weeks, but we were running plenty good enough to win, which I think is probably more than half the battle, honestly.”
If Elliott’s confidence is any indication, 2025 might just be the year of his resurgence.
One Win, Plenty of Firepower—Elliott Sees Progress, Not Failure
By Chase Elliott’s usual standards, one win and an early playoff exit should signal a disappointing season. But the No. 9 driver is seeing the bigger picture. Despite only one victory, he racked up 11 top-five finishes and was a serious contender in several late-season races.
He pointed to Martinsville—the pivotal final Round of 8 race—as proof that he was in the mix. Elliott won Stage 1, led 129 laps, and went head-to-head with Ryan Blaney for a Championship 4 spot. The win didn’t materialize, but he accounted for only three finishes outside the top 10 in the playoffs—a testament to his consistency.
“Just to have ourselves in that position and be able to lead some laps in the closing weeks when everybody was at their best just kind of reassured myself and our whole team that we’re very capable.”
For Elliott, 2024 wasn’t about missed opportunities—it was about proving that his team still belongs at the top.
From Injury to Redemption—The Bigger Picture for Elliott
The 2023 season was a nightmare for Elliott, who missed multiple races due to a snowboarding accident that sidelined him and derailed his championship hopes. That year, he failed to secure a single win—a rarity for the fan-favorite driver.
So when he finally broke through in 2024, the victory was about more than just another trophy—it was about getting back on track.
“I think for us it was nice to get back to Victory Lane for sure.”
He now views 2024 as a necessary stepping stone—one that put him back in the conversation as a legitimate contender.
Looking Ahead: Can Elliott Silence the Doubters in 2025?
While some may scoff at Elliott’s optimism, his track record speaks for itself. His late-season speed showed that he still has the tools to compete for another title. If Hendrick Motorsports can fine-tune the missing details, 2025 could be the year he reclaims his place at the top.
Elliott isn’t backing down from expectations. The only question is: Will he put all the pieces together when it matters most?
One thing’s for sure—he’s not listening to the doubters.
