Chase Elliott is making fans worry about his NASCAR career as his recent performances raise questions about his future. While Hendrick Motorsports continues to dominate with Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Alex Bowman, Elliott has struggled to keep pace. His contract runs through 2027, but if results do not improve, his long-term position could be uncertain. Despite winning his seventh Most Popular Driver award, challenges on the track could shape the next chapter of his racing career.
Key Highlights
- Chase Elliott’s popularity remains high with his seventh Most Popular Driver award in 2024.
- Despite fan support, Elliott’s recent on-track performance with Hendrick Motorsports has been inconsistent.
- Teammates Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Alex Bowman have outperformed Elliott with more victories and consistent finishes.
- Elliott’s contract with Hendrick Motorsports runs through 2027, but continued performance issues could affect his long-term position.
- Fan loyalty is strong, but Elliott needs improved race results to secure his future at Hendrick Motorsports.
Chase Elliott’s Popularity and Performance
Chase Elliott’s popularity in NASCAR is a demonstration of his strong fan base, but his on-track performance tells a more complex story. Despite securing his seventh consecutive National Motorsports Press Association Most Popular Driver award in 2024, Elliott’s performance metrics reveal inconsistencies.
While his fame is supported by a dedicated following, his results on the track have not consistently matched this acclaim.
Elliott’s tenure with Hendrick Motorsports, a team renowned for its competitive legacy, demands more than popularity; it requires consistent top-tier finishes and victories.
Analyzing Elliott’s recent races, his finishes often fluctuate, sometimes failing to meet the expectations set by his earlier career successes. This inconsistency poses questions about his adaptability to evolving race strategies and vehicle technologies.
Though his popularity remains unmatched, the disparity between fan support and track achievements highlights a crucial area for Elliott to address, ensuring his legacy extends beyond fandom.
The Decline of Chase Elliott’s Performance
Although fan support remains a cornerstone of his career, Elliott’s recent performance metrics reveal a troubling trend. In 2022, despite winning the regular season championship and reaching the championship 4, Elliott faltered in the final race, foreshadowing potential struggles.
His 2023 season exacerbated concerns as injuries and a suspension prevented him from making the playoffs, a considerable downturn for a driver of his caliber.
Elliott’s 2024 season offered slight improvement, yet he failed to reclaim his dominant form, securing a mere seventh-place finish with only one victory.
Entering the 2025 season, his performance continues to decline, marked by an absence of wins and a single top-5 finish. This downward path raises questions about his competitive viability within Hendrick Motorsports.
As Elliott struggles to regain his former skill, his position becomes increasingly precarious, demanding urgent reflection and tactical recalibration from both driver and team.
Rise of HMS Teammates
While Elliott’s performance wanes, his Hendrick Motorsports teammates have ascended to new heights, showcasing a clear contrast in their competitive trajectories.
Kyle Larson, the 2021 Cup champion, remains a formidable force, securing six victories in 2024 and maintaining dominance in 2025. Larson’s consistent excellence on the track highlights his status as a perennial contender within NASCAR’s elite.
William Byron has also illustrated remarkable growth, clinching six wins in 2023 and advancing to the championship 4 in both 2023 and 2024. Byron’s 2025 season began with a resounding victory at the Daytona 500, propelling him to the forefront of the Cup Series standings.
Meanwhile, Alex Bowman, often labeled as HMS’s ‘fourth driver,’ has proven his mettle through steadfast consistency in 2025. Regularly achieving top-10 finishes, Bowman has outperformed Elliott, solidifying his position as an indispensable asset to the team.
Chase Elliott’s Struggles in Comparison to HMS Teammates
Despite being a former champion and the face of Hendrick Motorsports, Elliott’s current standing within the team reveals a striking contrast to his teammates’ recent successes.
Elliott is now ranked as the fourth-best driver at HMS, trailing behind Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Alex Bowman in the points standings. This development highlights a notable shift, considering Elliott’s past dominance.
Analyzing the performance metrics reveals:
- Larson’s Speed: Known for his aggressive driving style, Larson consistently outpaces Elliott, contributing to his superior ranking.
- Byron’s Momentum: Byron has showcased remarkable growth, leveraging his speed and tactical insight to surpass Elliott.
- Bowman’s Consistency: Although not as fast as Larson or Byron, Bowman maintains competitive standings through consistent performance and minimizing errors.
- Elliott’s Decline: Once the team’s top driver, Elliott’s reduced competitiveness is a surprising twist, prompting questions about his ability to reclaim his position within HMS.
The Future of Chase Elliott at HMS
Chase Elliott’s standing at Hendrick Motorsports is under scrutiny as he faces the challenge of maintaining his status amid rising competition from his teammates.
Despite a contract extending through 2027, Elliott’s performance demands are mounting. With HMS’s relentless focus on results, his recent struggles could jeopardize his role as a team cornerstone. If Elliott fails to secure victories, management might reconsider his long-term position within the team, especially as younger teammates exhibit stronger performances.
Elliott’s enduring fan loyalty remains a notable asset, but even the most steadfast supporters may eventually demand more than popularity. As NASCAR emphasizes tangible results over fanfare, Elliott must translate his popularity into consistent success on the track.
The possibility of being overshadowed looms unless he demonstrates remarkable improvement. Consequently, Elliott’s future at HMS hinges not only on past accolades but also on his ability to deliver competitive results consistently moving forward.
News in Brief: Chase Elliott Is Making Fans Worry About His NASCAR Career
Chase Elliott, despite his immense popularity, faces a challenging road ahead at Hendrick Motorsports. His recent decline in performance, marked by fewer top-five finishes and laps led compared to his teammates, raises questions about his ability to remain competitive. As HMS drivers like Kyle Larson and William Byron continue to excel, Elliott must improve his racecraft and results to secure his future with the team. His performance path will determine his standing in the NASCAR elite.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q: Who’s the most popular NASCAR driver now?
A: Chase Elliott continues as NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver, earning his seventh consecutive Cup Series honor. The Hendrick Motorsports star rebounded, reaching the Round of 8 after missing the playoffs last season.
Q: How many years has Chase Elliott been the most popular driver?
A: Chase Elliott earned NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver award for the seventh straight year at the season-ending awards ceremony on Friday night.
Q: Who sponsors Chase Elliott’s car?
A: Amazon Prime will sponsor Chase Elliott’s car for three races per year from 2025 to 2027, supporting Prime Video’s new NASCAR Cup Series rights deal.
ALSO READ: Chase Elliott Dismisses NASCAR’s Short Track Controversy With Three Words
