While Kyle Larson dazzled with his dominating performances in recent seasons, Chase Elliott has quietly been a pivotal force for Hendrick Motorsports, particularly in navigating the complexities of NASCAR’s Next-Gen car. In a recent interview, Elliott shed light on his evolving relationship with the Gen-7 car, revealing the highs and lows of adapting to the series’ latest technical platform.
A Stellar Start with Next-Gen
Elliott took to the Next-Gen car quickly in its debut season in 2022. Winning five races and clinching a fourth-place finish in the standings, he set a high bar for himself and Hendrick Motorsports. Reflecting on that period, Elliott admitted:
“There was a point in time where I’m like, ‘Man, we are so much better than we were.’ Even at the beginning of ’22, when I won a handful of races and had a great stretch, I’m like, ‘Man, if we were this good then, you would be just destroying everyone on a weekly basis.’”
His early success with the new car showcased his adaptability, but as the competition evolved, staying ahead became a bigger challenge.
Learning and Evolving
The Next-Gen car has pushed every team and driver to their limits. Elliott acknowledged how the learning curve has impacted his approach:
“I think my understanding of it is certainly higher than it’s been probably since it was introduced. Does that mean it’s perfect? No. Does that mean I know everything about it? No, it definitely doesn’t.”
As Elliott gained confidence with the car, he noted the importance of understanding its nuances, particularly as rival teams like Team Penske and 23XI Racing have thrived in the Next-Gen era. Penske’s dominance is particularly notable, with its drivers capturing three consecutive championships since the car’s introduction.
Challenges Along the Way
Elliott’s journey with the Gen-7 car has not been without setbacks. A serious injury in 2023 derailed his season, forcing him to sit out significant races and making his eventual return to form in 2024 all the more remarkable. Ending the year seventh in the standings, Elliott proved his resilience while continuing to hone his craft with the Next-Gen car.
“It’s about bettering yourself and just continuing to try to push that limit a little bit. But I certainly think we’re in a good place with it now.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
Elliott remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing his team’s progress in understanding what it takes to succeed across various track styles. With a better grasp of what he needs from the car, he’s prepared to face the evolving competition head-on:
“I look forward to going to most all of the styles of tracks just because I think we have a better understanding of what I want and what I need out of the car to go fast at those places.”
Still, Elliott acknowledges the rapid development among competitors, particularly drivers like Tyler Reddick, whose back-to-back top-six finishes in the standings highlight the ever-increasing level of competition.
The Bigger Picture
Chase Elliott’s candid reflections are a testament to his growth as a driver and Hendrick Motorsports’ commitment to staying competitive. While the Next-Gen car may have initially been a challenge, it has also been an opportunity for Elliott to push his limits and refine his craft. With a deeper understanding of the car and his team’s unwavering support, Elliott appears poised to continue his climb back to the top.
As Elliott put it best:
“If it’s not [accurate], we’ll keep trucking.”
That resilience and determination will be key as he prepares to face another thrilling NASCAR Cup Series season. 2025 could very well be Elliott’s year to reclaim his place among the sport’s elite.