Chase Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion, is widely regarded as a driver with immense potential, backed by Hendrick Motorsports, a strong team, impressive sponsors, and a dedicated fanbase. However, despite these advantages, Elliott has not been winning as frequently in Cup events, leading to disappointment among fans and former racer Kyle Petty. This article explores Petty’s critique of Elliott’s recent performance and what it means for the driver’s future in the sport.
Kyle Petty Highlights Chase Elliott’s Struggles in Recent Seasons
In a recent analysis on NASCAR’s YouTube channel, Kyle Petty expressed frustration over Chase Elliott’s results in the Next-Gen car era. Since 2020, Elliott has secured only six race victories, with five occurring during a strong 2022 season, when he also claimed the regular season championship. However, Elliott’s performance has noticeably declined since then, with his recent runs characterized mainly by consistent top-10 finishes but a lack of wins.
By comparison, his Hendrick Motorsports teammates have outpaced him significantly. Kyle Larson has won 16 races, while William Byron has captured 12 races over the same period. This positions Elliott as only the third-best driver on a team known for producing champions and consistent winners, a situation that Petty finds concerning. Loosing this competitive edge has also led to a dip in Elliott’s popularity, as Larson gains more recognition among fans.
If we say internal competition, Larson has won three. Byron has won one, dominated Darlington, and was strong at Nashville. Is Chase stepping up?
—Kyle Petty, Former NASCAR Driver
Analyzing Elliott’s Limited Success Since 2023 and Fan Expectations
Petty also drew attention to Elliott’s win tally since the beginning of 2023, noting with disbelief that Elliott has taken only one victory in that time span. For a driver who is regarded as the sport’s most popular figure, this lagging performance raises questions about his ability to meet expectations. Fans, sponsors, and Hendrick Motorsports itself expect more from Elliott, who remains one of the marquee names in NASCAR.
Since 2023, Chase Elliott has won only one race. One race, people. I know you’ve got all the t-shirts, I know you’ve got all the hats, I know he’s Mr. Most Popular. But how can our most popular driver not win races and not even be the best driver in the team he drives for?
—Kyle Petty, Former NASCAR Driver
Petty expressed shock that Elliott, despite his fame and support, has failed to dominate or even consistently outperform fellow Hendrick drivers. His fellow teammates have demonstrated stronger results and higher win counts during this period, underscoring a downward trend for Elliott’s competitiveness within one of NASCAR’s top teams.
Questions About Elliott Meeting Expectations from Fans, Team, and Sponsors
Continuing his critique, Kyle Petty questioned whether Elliott’s current output satisfies those invested in his success. He challenged whether the level of achievement seen from Elliott aligns with the ambitions of Hendrick Motorsports, the driver’s sponsors, and the passionate fanbase that expects victory and championship contention.
Is that good enough? Is that good enough for what the fans’ expectations are? Is that good enough for the Hendrick organization? Is that good enough for the sponsors? If it is, more power to you.
—Kyle Petty, Former NASCAR Driver
Petty stated clearly that NASCAR is a sport where wins and championships are the ultimate measure of success, and drivers must deliver results when needed. With Elliott’s recent performance stats falling short, Petty insists the driver must improve his productivity to maintain his position among the sport’s elite.
But in a sport where we reward wins and we reward championships, we need somebody to step up. Chase has got to step up. And if we are complacent and we are satisfied with as good as it gets, so be it. I am not.
—Kyle Petty, Former NASCAR Driver
The Significance of Elliott’s Upcoming Performances and NASCAR’s Expectations
Kyle Petty’s remarks underline a broader concern within the NASCAR community about whether Chase Elliott can return to the dominance many anticipated when he entered the Cup Series. As a driver associated with a powerhouse team like Hendrick Motorsports and holding a large public profile, Elliott’s underwhelming win totals carry significance beyond individual statistics—impacting sponsor confidence, team morale, and fan engagement.
With strong teammates such as Kyle Larson and William Byron continuing to secure victories and build momentum, Elliott faces mounting pressure to elevate his performance. If he fails to do so, his standing within the sport and his team could be increasingly questioned.
As the current NASCAR season progresses, all eyes will be on Elliott to determine whether he can reverse his recent trends, silence critics like Petty, and fulfill the promise that made him one of the sport’s brightest stars. The future of his legacy may depend largely on his ability to respond to these challenges and deliver wins that justify the hype surrounding him.