Did you know that at the tender age of 13, Elliott was featured in the July 13, 2009, issue of Sports Illustrated? He was standing shoulder-to-shoulder with future stars like Jordan Spieth and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Even then, the racing prodigy had the makings of something special. Son of NASCAR legend Bill Elliott, Chase was destined for greatness. And boy, did he live up to it!
By 24, he was already a Cup Series champion, winning in 2020 and cementing himself as the new face of Hendrick Motorsports. Yet, for all his success, Elliott’s path has never been easy. He’s fought through adversity, injuries, and ever-growing expectations. Now, at Martinsville, one of NASCAR’s trickiest tracks, he found himself in yet another battle—one that left him pointing the finger at himself. But was it really his fault?
Chase Elliott criticizes himself for Martinsville performance
Chase Elliott’s performance at the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway showcased both promise and frustration. Starting from the second position, Elliott was a strong contender throughout the race. He led for 42 laps, demonstrating the competitiveness of his No. 9 Chevrolet. However, despite his efforts, he couldn’t capitalize during the crucial stages.
Chase Elliott expressed his thoughts post-race, stating, “It was better for sure. Got a little behind there. Wish I could have got Denny for that second stage.” After overtaking Elliott during the final laps of Stage 2, Hamlin got away from the field, building a substantial lead over Elliott, who finished the stage in second position.
The significance of stage control, something that Hamlin has had at Martinsville, was evident in Elliott’s remarks: “Really needed control there. Didn’t get control on. You get to the second half of these races, and it gets so hard to make ground.” This underscores the difficulty drivers face when lacking track position in the latter parts of the race, especially at a track like Martinsville. Add to that Hamlin’s mastery at ‘The Paperclip,’ where he has won five times, made things much for difficult, even for a driver of a calibre like Elliott.
Despite the setbacks, Elliott acknowledged the team’s efforts and the car’s performance: “Really good effort, really good car, just needed a little bit more.” His fourth-place finish marked his best result since the Circuit of the Americas race four weeks prior, indicating a positive trajectory for the team.
Looking ahead, Elliott remains optimistic: “We’ll see how the next few weeks go, but definitely nice to have a good day here.” Thanks to his fourth-place finish at Martinsville, Elliott has managed to move three places up in the Cup Series standings. He is currently in third place, just 32 points behind the leader, William Byron. With consistent performances, the No. 9 team aims to build momentum in the upcoming races.
Chase Elliott eyes victory at Darlington Raceway
Chase Elliott is set to compete in the upcoming Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway, a track known for its unforgiving nature. It is known as “The Lady in Black,” with its unique egg-shaped layout and abrasive surface. Elliott’s experience and resilience will be crucial in navigating the challenges that have tripped up even the sport’s best drivers. Managing tire wear and staying out of trouble will be key to his success.
Historically, Darlington has been a challenge for Elliott. In 16 starts, he has yet to secure a win, with four top-five finishes and seven top-ten finishes, leading a total of 151 laps. His best finish at the track was a runner-up result in 2020, but since then, victory has remained elusive.
Last year, at the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway, Chase Elliott finished 12th, starting from the 31st position. A strong performance at Darlington this year can significantly improve his ranking further, especially with the playoff picture starting to take shape.
With momentum on his side, Elliott will be aiming to secure valuable points and possibly his first win at the track. With a strong result behind him at Martinsville, a playoff spot is well within reach. Now, the question remains—can Elliott finally tame “The Lady in Black” and capture his first Darlington victory? Or will he once again fall short at one of NASCAR’s most challenging tracks?
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