Chase Elliott’s 2025 NASCAR season initially appeared similar to his 2024 performance, finishing eighth after placing seventh the year before. However, a detailed look reveals that Elliott made significant strides in his racing results, signaling potential for substantial achievements in upcoming seasons. These improvements are especially meaningful as they position Elliott for greater success with Hendrick Motorsports.
Comparing Elliott’s Performance Between 2024 and 2025
In 2024, Elliott ended the season seventh overall, earning one win, 11 top-five finishes, 19 top-10s, one pole position, and leading 431 laps. The following year, while ranking eighth in the final standings, he increased his total wins to two, maintained 11 top-five finishes, matched 19 top-10s, and led 454 laps. This numerical progress reflects an upward trend in his competitiveness, despite the slight dip in position.
Jeff Gordon Highlights Elliott’s On-Track Advances
Jeff Gordon, vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, observed Elliott’s encouraging progress throughout the 2025 season, pointing notably to the World Wide Technology Event. Elliott began that race in 17th place but managed to finish 10th. Gordon emphasized Elliott’s leadership on lap 226, where he led 30 laps until teammate William Byron overtook him on lap 253.
During the same race, Elliott faced a setback with a pit-road speeding penalty under late caution conditions, which dropped him to 27th. Nevertheless, Elliott impressively fought back through the field to finish in the top ten during overtime.
Gordon remarked,
“More engaged, stepping in, elevating the team, the information he’s bringing, and really feeling like this is home for him.”
He also stated,
“I tell him all the time, ‘You’re a franchise guy. This team is your team.’ He and Alan have a very powerful relationship. Alan is an incredibly talented guy, and I think sometimes it just takes getting all the right pieces in place at the right times. But I was very impressed with what they did last year.”
Strong Season Finish Builds Confidence for Future
Gordon considered Elliott to be the strongest driver in a Hendrick Motorsports car at the season finale in Phoenix, praising how he maneuvered through competitors. Gordon added,
“When you put a race like that together, and you do that over enough races, it builds confidence. And when you have the final race of the season go like that, even though you’re not in the championship hunt, you build on that over the offseason.”
Momentum and Expectations for the 2026 Season
Elliott’s upward trajectory from 2025 could carry forward into 2026, where he has already shown signs of elite form with three wins in the prior season. These victories include the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium and two points-paying races at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Kansas Speedway, marking his first multiple-win season since 2022.
As the 2020 NASCAR Cup Champion, Elliott has maintained remarkable consistency in his racing performance. With NASCAR’s new Chase format this year, there is optimism that Elliott’s steady progress and strong momentum will enhance his chances for significant success in the upcoming season.
"More engaged, stepping in, elevating the team, the information he's bringing and really feeling like this is home for him," Gordon said. "I tell him all the time, 'You're a franchise guy. This team is your team.'"https://t.co/5dWntUk2My
— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) February 1, 2026
