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Charlotte, NC – Chase Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion and perennial fan favorite, has characterized his 2025 season as "good but not great," a sentiment reflecting a season marked by flashes of brilliance and consistent performance, yet falling short of the lofty victory benchmarks set by himself and Hendrick Motorsports. Despite securing his playoff berth and ultimately finishing eighth in the championship standings, Elliott expressed a desire for more frequent trips to victory lane.
The statistics for Elliott’s 2025 campaign paint a picture of a strong, consistent performer. He recorded two victories throughout the season, a respectable number that placed him among the contenders. Furthermore, he achieved 11 top-5 finishes and 19 top-10 finishes, underscoring the reliability of the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. When analyzing the points accumulated from the Daytona season-opener in February to the Phoenix championship finale in November, Elliott’s season-long scoring placed him fourth overall, a testament to the team’s renowned consistency over the past three seasons. However, for a driver and organization accustomed to contending for championships, the win total represented the primary area for introspection.
"I think for us, it was okay at times, and really solid at times, but it just wasn’t great," Elliott stated during a press conference held in conjunction with the announcement of his latest Most Popular Driver award. He elaborated, "We’ve had some high spots here or there but certainly not as consistently doing that as what we would like." This candid assessment highlights the internal pressure and high expectations that permeate the Hendrick Motorsports organization, a team with a storied history of success.
Beyond the win column, Elliott identified qualifying as a significant area of concern heading into the 2026 season. His average starting position for the 2025 season stood at a disappointing 16.1, a notable decline from his career average of 11.1. This struggle to qualify further up the grid had tangible consequences, not only costing the team valuable stage points in certain races but also placing them at a disadvantage regarding pit stall selection, a critical factor in race strategy.
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"The qualifying thing certainly has been a huge point of emphasis, throughout the course of the season," Elliott acknowledged. He expressed optimism that progress was made in this crucial aspect of race preparation towards the latter part of the year. "I felt like we gained on that the last couple of months. We were way more competitive in that regard," he added, suggesting a positive trajectory in overcoming this hurdle. Improved starting positions can directly translate to fewer cars to pass, cleaner air, and better opportunities to contend for stage wins and ultimately, race victories.
The nature of the NASCAR Cup Series playoff format also means that drivers who consistently qualify for the postseason, like Elliott, often find themselves racing deep into the final weeks of the season. This prolonged competitive stretch can be both a positive and a negative. On one hand, it signifies sustained performance, but on the other, it can highlight the gap between being a consistent playoff contender and a true championship front-runner.
Elliott noted a correlation between the team’s improved qualifying efforts and their performance in the closing stages of the season. "I feel like some of our best performances all year really came in the last month and a half or so, which was nice," he observed. "It’s always fun to end the season in a good spot." This late-season surge, potentially fueled by advancements in qualifying and race setup, bodes well for the team’s momentum as they transition to the next season.
The 2025 season for Chase Elliott, while not reaching the pinnacle of championship contention, demonstrated the enduring competitiveness of the No. 9 team. The two victories, coupled with a high volume of top-five and top-10 finishes, solidify his status as a formidable presence in the NASCAR Cup Series. However, Elliott’s candid self-assessment and the team’s focus on improving qualifying performance underscore a relentless pursuit of perfection.
Hendrick Motorsports, a team that has celebrated 14 Cup Series championships, operates under an exceptionally high standard. For Elliott and his crew chief, Alan Gustafson, the goal is not merely to make the playoffs, but to contend for the Bill France Cup. The 2025 season provided valuable data and learning opportunities, particularly in identifying the critical need for better starting track position.
The team’s performance in 2025 can be contextualized within the broader competitive landscape of the NASCAR Cup Series. The advent of the Next Gen car has continued to level the playing field, making race wins increasingly challenging to secure. Competitors across the board have demonstrated significant gains in performance, requiring every team to be at their absolute best week in and week out. Elliott’s consistent presence in the top tier of drivers, despite the heightened competition, speaks volumes about his skill and the capabilities of his team.
Looking ahead to 2026, the emphasis on qualifying is not merely a technical adjustment; it represents a strategic imperative. A strong qualifying effort can set the tone for an entire race weekend. It allows for cleaner pit stops, reduces the risk of early-race incidents, and provides a better platform to execute race strategy. For Elliott, who is known for his smooth driving style and ability to conserve tires, starting further forward could unlock even greater potential.
The emotional aspect of racing also plays a significant role. While Elliott maintains a calm and collected demeanor on track, the internal drive for victory is palpable. The "good but not great" assessment suggests a level of introspection that is vital for continuous improvement. It’s a mindset that separates good drivers from great ones, and great drivers from legends.
The statistical breakdown of Elliott’s season is as follows:
- Wins: 2
- Top-5 Finishes: 11
- Top-10 Finishes: 19
- Championship Standings: 8th
- Average Starting Position: 16.1
- Career Average Starting Position: 11.1
The difference in average starting position between 2025 and his career average highlights the specific challenge the team faced this past season. This gap of 5 positions per race, multiplied over a 36-race schedule, means Elliott was on average starting significantly further back than he has historically.
The mention of his Most Popular Driver award, an accolade he has consistently received, underscores his enduring connection with the fanbase. This popularity, while not directly impacting race results, reflects the respect and admiration he commands within the sport. It also suggests a loyal support system that will be keenly watching his progress in 2026.
The closing remarks from Elliott, emphasizing the team’s strong performances in the final races of 2025, offer a glimmer of optimism. This late-season resurgence could indicate that the team found key performance improvements or strategic advantages that will carry over. The ability to end a season on a high note can significantly impact morale and confidence heading into the off-season and the subsequent racing calendar.
In conclusion, Chase Elliott’s 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season was a campaign of substance, characterized by consistent execution and a respectable two wins. However, the driver and his team at Hendrick Motorsports are driven by a standard of excellence that demands more. The identified need to improve qualifying performance is a clear focus for the team as they aim to transform their "good" season into a "great" one in 2026, ultimately positioning themselves to contend for their second Cup Series championship. The pursuit of victory remains the ultimate benchmark, and for Chase Elliott, the journey towards that goal continues with a renewed focus and a clear set of objectives.
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