In a surprising twist for NASCAR fans, Chase Elliott, once regarded as a leading driver for Hendrick Motorsports, has found himself at the unexpected position of being labeled as the fourth driver on his team. This shift comes at a time when consistency among his teammates is at a high, leaving Elliott’s fans questioning what might be happening with their favorite racer.
Chase Elliott, the 2020 champion and a seven-time winner of the ‘Most Popular Driver’ award, used to be a commanding presence on the track. However, the dynamic within Hendrick Motorsports has shifted over the past couple of seasons. During a recent discussion, NASCAR journalist Jeff Gluck raised concerns about this transformation, stating, “Like seriously how did Chase Elliott become like sort of the fourth Hendrick car. And I mean you could say well wait a minute that’s Bowman.” His reference to Alex Bowman points to the fact that Bowman has been performing more consistently, notching four top 10s this year, which has placed him in a competitive position alongside teammates William Byron and Kyle Larson.
Indeed, the statistics paint a rather stark picture for Elliott. While teammates Byron and Larson each have multiple top finishes, Elliott has had a roller coaster of performance, causing fans and analysts alike to scratch their heads. Earlier this season, Elliott did manage a win and a seventh-place finish, offering brief respite. However, his consistency since then has been widely scrutinized.
The season for Elliott kicked off on a high note at the Bowman Gray Stadium, a venue that made its return to the Cup Series for the first time since 1971. Elliott dominated on that occasion, leading an impressive 171 out of 200 laps and securing the win. It felt like his resurgence was imminent. Speculations started to swirl if he could replicate the historic success of his father by winning the Daytona 500 back-to-back. Unfortunately, Elliott finished 15th in that race and followed up with a disheartening 20th place finish at Atlanta.
A particularly damaging incident occurred during a race at Circuit of the Americas where he was involved in a wreck caused by Ross Chastain. Although he managed to recover to finish fourth, the unfortunate early mishaps exemplified the ongoing struggle for Elliott in the current season.
Reviewing statistics does reveal a stark reality for Elliott: of the last 70-point races, he has only managed to clinch victory twice. Many in the NASCAR community are anxious about whether he can reclaim his former glory, particularly as speculation mounts around possible internal issues at Hendrick Motorsports. Rick Hendrick, the team owner, emphasized the pressure on the drivers at the annual luncheon, promoting a campaign dubbed ‘Thrice in 25’ as a hopeful rallying cry for the 2025 season.
Moreover, the narrative around Elliott is not just about him anymore; it’s reflected in the performance discrepancies within Hendrick Motorsports as a whole. Despite solid performances from Bowman, Byron, and Larson, the team seems to lack the dominant presence that fans have come to expect from them.
Looking ahead, there are upcoming victories that could possibly turn Elliott's season around. Hendrick Motorsports is set to compete at Homestead-Miami Speedway, a track where history has been made for the team, especially during championship races. The organization has four wins at this venue since it opened in 1999, with drivers Larson and Byron each securing victories there in the past.
As preparations ramp up for the races in Miami, Elliott holds a commendable track record; he has run nine races there with an average finish of 9.8 — which includes three top 5 finishes and four top 10 finishes. The question is not if he can find his stride again, but rather if he can be a part of a broader turnaround for Hendrick Motorsports as they aim to reestablish their dominance.
It’s evident that fans and analysts alike are divided on the future of Elliott in this evolving landscape of NASCAR. Many share hopes that he will recapture prior successes, while others remain skeptical about potential underlying issues within the team. As the 2025 season progresses, the narrative around Chase Elliott continues to be one of the most compelling stories to follow within the NASCAR world. Every week brings fresh opportunities and challenges, and fans are left contemplating whether their favorite driver can reclaim his competitive edge.
