Hendrick Motorsports ended 2024 on a remarkable note, celebrating their 40th anniversary in the NASCAR Cup Series with notable achievements. All four drivers contributed to an impressive total of 11 wins and secured positions within the top nine in the final standings. Leading the pack was William Byron in third place. However, a key distinction emerged among the team’s drivers—consistency—and Chase Elliott stood out in this regard.
After a challenging 2023 season, Chase Elliott bounced back in style in 2024. The driver of the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet broke a 42-race winless streak with a victory at Texas Motor Speedway in April. Although this was his only win of the season, Elliott’s steady performance earned him a spot in the Round of 8 in the playoffs, a significant turnaround from his previous struggles. His consistency contrasted sharply with his teammate Kyle Larson’s highs and lows.
Chase Elliott’s Quietly Consistent Year
While Kyle Larson claimed the most wins for Hendrick Motorsports, tallying six victories at tracks like Las Vegas, Kansas, Sonoma, and Indianapolis during the regular season, as well as Bristol and Charlotte in the playoffs, his season was not without setbacks. Larson led an impressive 1,700 laps and had 15 top-five finishes, but he also faced five DNFs, including costly errors like a late-race spin at Homestead. He ended the season in sixth place in the standings, largely due to these inconsistencies.
On the other hand, Elliott maintained a steady performance throughout the year. Though he only secured one win, his record of 19 top-10 finishes surpassed Larson’s 18. Elliott also recorded 11 top-five finishes and faced only two DNFs. This consistent showing allowed him to climb to seventh in the final standings, a notable improvement after his tumultuous 2023 season.
Reflecting on the Playoff Format
Despite Larson’s six wins and undeniable speed throughout the season, his sixth-place finish highlighted the challenges of NASCAR’s playoff system. Reflecting on the outcome, Larson remarked, “Obviously, you want to make the final four and have a shot at the championship, but I also understand the format and know how crazy it can be. I don’t let finishing sixth in points take anything away from our season.”
Elliott, meanwhile, expressed satisfaction with his team’s efforts. After finishing seventh in the standings and wrapping up the season with an eighth-place result at Phoenix Raceway, he praised his crew for their resilience and progress. “Nothing is ever perfect, I guess, in my eyes, but I am really proud of where we’ve come from and where we’ve been,” Elliott said. “Particularly over the last few months of the season, I feel like we have a really good direction.”
A Comeback After a Difficult 2023
Elliott’s success this season was all the more significant given the challenges he faced in 2023. A snowboarding accident had sidelined him for six races, and a suspension after an on-track incident during the Coca-Cola 600 further complicated his season. Despite receiving waivers for playoff eligibility, he failed to make the postseason. However, the lessons from that difficult year seemed to fuel his determination, as he broke his lengthy winless streak in Texas and consistently delivered solid results throughout 2024.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As Hendrick Motorsports looks toward the upcoming season, Elliott’s consistent performances and steady improvement position him as a strong contender for 2025. While Larson’s race-winning ability remains a major asset for the team, Elliott’s focus on consistency could make him a formidable championship threat.
The debate over whether Chase Elliott’s consistency or Kyle Larson’s race wins deserved more recognition in 2024 remains a hot topic. However, both drivers showcased their strengths in their own ways, contributing to a highly successful season for Hendrick Motorsports. As the team builds on its 2024 achievements, fans will be eager to see how Elliott and Larson perform in the pursuit of the ultimate prize next season.