Chase Elliott attacks NASCAR’s flawed format, calling it “silly” for giving mid-pack drivers a shot at the title despite inconsistent performance. He believes the system undermines the value of consistently strong finishes and complicates race strategies. Chase Elliott’s comments add to the ongoing debate about the fairness of the format, as he stays focused on his own performance while pushing for a reevaluation of the current rules.
Key Highlights
- Chase Elliott criticized NASCAR’s playoff format for allowing mid-pack drivers excessive opportunities to succeed over consistently performing top drivers.
- He described the current championship structure as “silly,” undermining the merit of consistent performance in favor of unpredictable outcomes.
- Elliott’s 2023 challenges highlighted how evolving playoff dynamics complicate the championship race, influencing both strategy and competitive intensity.
- He acknowledged that external factors, like disqualifications and strategic decisions, heavily impact race outcomes, questioning fairness in the system.
- Despite frustrations, Elliott emphasizes the need to adapt to the format and focus on personal improvement rather than placing blame on others.
NASCAR’s Format Change and Its Impact on Chase Elliott
The implementation of NASCAR’s tournament-style championship format in 2014 marked a substantial shift in the sport’s competitive landscape, influencing not only the all-encompassing dynamics of the series but also individual drivers like Chase Elliott. This new structure replaced the traditional system, which had been in place since the series’ inception in 1949.
The introduction of a 16-driver field competing over ten races across four rounds fundamentally altered the approach to racing and championship rivalry.
For Chase Elliott, the format provided both opportunities and challenges. In 2020, he capitalized on this setup to secure his initial Cup Series championship.
However, as the 2023 season unfolded, the evolving dynamics of the tournament format began to complicate his championship aspirations. Speculation surrounding his potential to clinch a subsequent title intensified, particularly following a series of strong finishes, including a notable victory in Texas.
Chase Elliott’s recent acknowledgment that he does not attribute blame to rivals like Joey Logano for his fortunes highlights the heightened competition and the interplay of strategy and performance in the new format.
Chase Elliott Acknowledges Joey Logano’s Performance
Amidst the intense competition of the NASCAR playoffs, Chase Elliott recently acknowledged the impressive performance of Joey Logano, highlighting the skill shown by the No. 22 team.
Chase Elliott’s recognition comes in the wake of Logano’s unexpected success at the Round of 8 opener, where tactical execution played a role in his victory.
Joey Logano’s crew chief made a vital call for a final pit stop on lap 195, which set the stage for a flawless fuel mileage strategy that dominated Christopher Bell‘s earlier dominance.
“It’s not Joey’s fault that the format is what it is. I look at those guys and the job they did this last weekend. They took a chance and regardless of how they got in. I think that while everybody can have mixed emotions…Who are we or anyone else to blame those guys for doing their job and punching their ticket? That’s not their fault.”-(JOEY LOGANO)
I asked Chase Elliott how he felt about the debate surrounding the legitimacy of the 22 team's final four berth.
He offered a nuanced take.
These are the rules even if they aren't his preferred rules of crowning a champion. pic.twitter.com/E9JZoWK984
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) October 23, 2024
This performance was particularly remarkable given Joey Logano’s position after nearly being eliminated from competition. His success stemmed from capitalizing on the disqualification of Alex Bowman, Elliott’s teammate, which allowed Logano to advance unexpectedly.
Chase Elliott, despite his own misfortune in the race—sustaining damage from a multi-car incident involving Tyler Reddick—took a moment to commend Logano’s efforts.
He emphasized that the blame for the current playoff format should not fall on Joey Logano.
“It’s silly of us to take that away from them in any right because that’s what it is. We can’t change that, or I can’t change that. So I don’t necessarily love the format personally. I certainly benefitted from a good streak in ’20. That carried us through Phoenix – I’m proud of that. It’s a different time nowadays and this is the format that they have to work with. And those guys capitalized on it. o don’t hate them.”-(chase elliott)
He urged fans to appreciate the skill involved in their performance rather than harbor resentment for their playoff position.
Elliott’s Perspective on NASCAR’s Format
The No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports driver, Chase Elliott, seems to have accepted how things are going this season, but his rivals might be feeling pretty frustrated. One of those rivals is Joey Logano, who has struggled to make any real impact in the playoffs, with 14 finishes outside the top 20. Yet, Elliott remains calm — perhaps that’s just his personality.
Back in the 2020 Homestead-Miami race, though, Elliott had every reason to be upset with Logano. Two weeks earlier at Bristol, Elliott had been fighting for the win when Logano got in his way, ending Elliott’s chances. Logano hadn’t forgotten about that and was ready for payback.
Even though Logano was just a lapped car at Homestead, he got in Elliott’s way again. This allowed Denny Hamlin to slip by and take the win, leaving Elliott with another missed opportunity. It was a moment of frustration, but Elliott’s cool attitude has often helped him stay focused despite such setbacks.
Elliott’s Current Calmness Amid Logano’s Advantage
Chase Elliott’s composed demeanor continues to shine through, even in the presence of Joey Logano’s current competitive edge. As the NASCAR season progresses, Logano’s performance has positioned him as a formidable contender for the championship title. However, Elliott remains unfazed by this advantage, demonstrating a tactical mindset that prioritizes long-term success over immediate concerns.
“I just need to get through lap traffic better. I thought our Hooters Camaro was plenty good enough to win. I thought we executed a really nice race and kept it out of the wall almost the whole race, got it there at the end. But proud of the effort. We’re bringing fast cars right now, and everybody at HMS is working really hard to do that. Keep putting ourselves in a good position, do a little better job getting through lap traffic, and maybe we have another sticker. We’ll try to put ourselves in more spots to win and see where it goes from there.”-(chase elliott)
While Logano’s advantage poses a challenge, it is essential to keep in mind that the championship is not solely determined by current standings.
Elliott’s approach reflects a broader understanding of racing as a marathon rather than a sprint. As the season unfolds, it will be interesting to observe whether Logano can sustain his lead or if Elliott’s steady strategy will ultimately prevail.
The interplay of skill, tactics, and mental resilience will be significant as both drivers navigate the complexities of the championship run.
News in Brief: Chase Elliott Attacks NASCAR’s Flawed Format
Chase Elliott’s critique of NASCAR’s format highlights considerable concerns regarding equity in competition. The current structure, which allows mid-pack drivers to capitalize on inconsistencies among front-runners, raises questions about the integrity of performance-based outcomes. Elliott’s measured responses to both Logano’s achievements and prior incidents exemplify a broader frustration within the sport. As NASCAR navigates these complexities, the implications for competitive fairness and fan engagement warrant ongoing scrutiny and evaluation.
ALSO READ: Joey Logano Mocks Denny Hamlin and Chase Elliott for Crumbling Under NASCAR Playoff Pressure
