Chase Elliott is striving to end his 42-race winless streak as the 2025 NASCAR Cup Season unfolds, focusing on gaining “a little more pace” to secure a victory. Despite consistent performances and a strong start at Bowman Gray Stadium, Elliott remains winless while preparing for his home race in Atlanta, Georgia.
Chase Elliott’s 2025 Performance Highlights Consistency Without a Win
Throughout the season, Elliott has demonstrated remarkable consistency, achieving nine top-10 finishes in 17 races with no DNFs and a worst finish of 20th place. Even though he ranks better than several race winners, the No. 9 Chevy driver has yet to cross the finish line first, registering the closest near-win with a third-place finish in Mexico City. The 2020 NASCAR Cup champion attributes this ongoing drought to the need for a slight boost in speed rather than equipment issues, as teammates Kyle Larson and William Byron have secured multiple wins with Hendrick Motorsports.
Reflecting on what is missing, Elliott said,
“I think just have a little more pace, honestly. Just a little bit. There’s been so many pieces of the puzzle that I’m really proud of that I feel like we have… and just getting that last little bit. But I think the cool thing about where our team’s at right now is I just think we’re really solid.”
— Chase Elliott, driver
He also acknowledged that extracting this extra speed falls largely on his shoulders, praising crew chief Alan Gustafson for his strong leadership and strategic race calls. Elliott stated,
“I think I can do a little better job for my team to just extract a little bit more pace. They’re doing a great job over the wall. I think Alan’s been calling great races.”
— Chase Elliott, driver
Upcoming In-Season Tournament to Feature Elliott Battling Austin Dillon
Adding excitement to the season, Elliott is set to face Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Dillon in the first round of NASCAR’s new in-season tournament, which offers a $1 million prize to the winner. This competition has stirred buzz among fans and analysts alike, promising to be a summer highlight.
Discussing the upcoming matchup, Elliott revealed a friendly rivalry with Dillon and expressed enthusiasm for the event’s entertainment value. He shared,
“No, not yet. Austin and I get along pretty good usually. I’m excited about it, though. I think it’ll be something good to talk about throughout the year and throughout the summer… and kind of give people a little something extra to watch after.”
— Chase Elliott, driver
On the prospect of trash talk with Dillon, Elliott mentioned that although it has not started, it could begin on race day, but he remains generally reserved. He said,
“We haven’t started trash-talking yet, but maybe Saturday. We’ll see how it goes. But I’m looking forward to it. I think the fans will get into it as well.”
— Chase Elliott, driver
This pair’s matchup seems less evenly matched given Dillon’s recent struggles and Elliott’s solid consistency, raising curiosity about how this contest will unfold on the track.
Chase Elliott’s Search for Speed Reflects Team Strength and Determination
Elliott emphasizes that his team, including Gustafson’s guidance, is performing well, and the missing element is just a slight increase in pace from himself to finally break the winless spell. His candid admission highlights a determined mindset focused on incremental improvements amid a competitive field.
Fans and former drivers like Kyle Petty have voiced their hopes for Elliott’s return to victory lane, recognizing his talent and the impressive consistency he has maintained. Achieving that “last little bit” of pace could convert his near-misses into wins, validating the efforts of Hendrick Motorsports and satisfying his extensive fan base.
What Lies Ahead for Chase Elliott and His Team
As Elliott prepares for his home race in Atlanta and the upcoming tournament clash with Austin Dillon, the 2025 season remains pivotal for him. Breaking the victory drought would not only boost his confidence but also reaffirm Hendrick Motorsports’ status in the NASCAR Cup Series. The growing anticipation around these events ensures that Elliott’s performance will stay under close scrutiny by fans and experts eager to witness the end of his long wait for a win.