Chase Elliott had a commendable season in 2024, although he narrowly missed securing a spot in the Championship 4. Despite this, his performance throughout the year demonstrated remarkable consistency, solidifying his reputation as a strong contender. This was particularly notable after a challenging 2023 season, where Elliott missed seven races due to a snowboarding accident. The 2024 season became a platform for redemption and growth for the driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet.
Elliott’s 2024 statistics revealed significant improvement, offering hope for a promising 2025 campaign. The season began with a solid foundation for Elliott and Hendrick Motorsports. He secured an eighth-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway, followed by a runner-up position at Bristol Motor Speedway, just behind teammate Kyle Larson. Elliott maintained his position through the Round of 12 but faced adversity at Las Vegas Speedway due to a crash, which jeopardized his championship hopes.
However, Elliott showcased his resilience. At Homestead-Miami Speedway, he dominated for 81 laps before finishing in fifth place. At Martinsville Speedway, he led an impressive 129 laps but narrowly missed securing the win required to advance. Despite these setbacks, Elliott ended his 42-race winless streak with a victory at Texas Motor Speedway, a significant morale booster for him and his team. Reflecting on this, Elliott described the win as a validation of their hard work and emphasized the importance of being competitive in races, even when the results didn’t always go their way.
Elliott’s season was marked by consistency, as evidenced by his streak of 19 consecutive top-20 finishes. He also led the Cup Series with 32 top-20 finishes and achieved the highest average finish (11.7) among full-time competitors. These achievements highlighted his ability to compete at a high level throughout the year.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Elliott expressed optimism, emphasizing the importance of improving his competitiveness on a weekly basis. He believes that focusing on consistent performance, leading more laps, and adopting a more aggressive approach will naturally lead to championship success over time.
Entering his 10th full-time season with Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series, Elliott has a strong foundation to build upon. Having won the championship once in 2020, he remains determined to reclaim the title. In addition to his on-track achievements, Elliott won the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) Most Popular Driver Award for the seventh consecutive year in 2024. This achievement continues the legacy of his father, Bill Elliott, who dominated the award from 1991 to 2000 and again in 2002.
Elliott expressed heartfelt gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support, acknowledging the opportunities they have helped create throughout his career. As he prepares for the 2025 season, Elliott is committed to honoring their support and striving for greater success. His connection with his fanbase remains a driving force as he works to make them proud on and off the racetrack.