After a rollercoaster 2024 NASCAR season, Chase Elliott, the 2020 Cup Series champion and seven-time Most Popular Driver award winner, kicked off 2025 with a return to his roots at the SpeedFest Super Late Model event. Held at Cordele Motor Speedway, this annual winter showdown marked Elliott’s first grassroots racing appearance since 2023, signaling his commitment to staying sharp and connected to the racing community.
Why grassroots racing matters to Elliott
In a candid conversation with NASCAR driver David Ragan, Elliott opened up about his motivations for returning to Late Model racing. For Elliott, the connection between grassroots competition and the Cup Series is more relevant than ever.
“Today with this new car—or not-so-new car—on the Cup side, the straight rail Late Model cars like we’ve always run are more similar than they’ve ever been. I fight some of the same things on Sunday as I do when we run these races. For that reason alone, I think it’s worth the time,” Elliott explained.
With NASCAR’s offseason rules prohibiting drivers from testing their Cup cars, Elliott sees Late Model racing as an invaluable way to stay race-ready. While simulators provide some preparation, Elliott emphasized the importance of hands-on experience:
“It’s not just about getting back in the car. Competing in these races helps keep me sharp. The drivers here are some of the most skilled in NASCAR, even if they’re not racing at the Cup level. The quality of racing is parallel to what we see on Sundays.”
A tough but rewarding comeback
Elliott’s return wasn’t without challenges. After qualifying 18th, the Hendrick Motorsports star battled his way through the field to secure a top-five finish in the main event. Reflecting on the grind, Elliott admitted:
“It’s not always fun for sure. You know, it’s never fun when you’re not doing super well in any arena, but I enjoy the process. I enjoy the competition.”
Pollard shines, Chastain struggles
While Elliott delivered an impressive comeback, it was Bubba Pollard who stole the show, claiming a historic fourth consecutive SpeedFest victory. Pollard took the lead with 12 laps to go, outdueling Cole Butcher in a thrilling late-race battle.
Ross Chastain, another NASCAR star, started on the pole after a redraw but faded to finish 12th.
Why Elliott’s grassroots journey matters
Elliott’s return to grassroots racing underscores his passion for the sport and commitment to refining his craft. Despite the challenges, the process of competing against top-tier talent in Late Model events offers him a unique edge as he prepares for the upcoming NASCAR season.
As Elliott looks to rebound in 2025 after a difficult 2024 campaign, his return to Cordele is a testament to his determination to remain one of NASCAR’s best.
