Chase Elliott has stepped into the spotlight this week as he prepares for his highly anticipated return to Texas Motor Speedway, the place where he last claimed victory nearly a year ago. With the 11th round of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series set to unfold at the iconic venue, Elliott faces mounting pressure as his winless streak has now stretched to 37 races, marking the second longest drought of his celebrated career. The urgency surrounding this weekend is palpable, given the significance of the track in Elliott’s history and his enduring determination to reclaim a place at the top.
The Hendrick Motorsports driver’s last Cup Series triumph came in Texas, a victory that ended a previous 42-race stretch without a win. This statistic underscores the cyclical nature of his journey, highlighting both the challenges and resilience required at the highest level of motorsport. Over the last 80 races, Chase Elliott has managed only two wins, and this recurring difficulty is something he has chosen to address candidly, signaling both hope and honesty as he enters the latest chapter of his racing story.
When asked about his mindset heading into Texas, Chase Elliott stated, “I guess both. Well, the good news was it [last year’s race] went well. The bad news was it was 12 months ago. A lot changes in a year, and things that we are working on behind the scenes, whether a set-up path or a race strategy path or whatever it is, that is going to outweigh something that went on 12 months ago.” Drawing from last year’s success, Elliott remains conscious that the unpredictable nature of NASCAR means past accomplishments do not guarantee future results, emphasizing the significance of continual adaptation and learning from recent experiences.
Despite the victory drought, Chase Elliott has shown remarkable consistency in the 2025 season, capturing fourth place in the standings and keeping within reach of teammate and overall leader William Byron. Though he sits 70 points behind the leader, Elliott recognizes the importance of steady improvement over the course of a long season. “We want more. I think we’re capable of more. And we just have high expectations,” Elliott explained, reflecting on both the pride in his team’s efforts and the unyielding desire to deliver better results.
Credit for this consistent run goes in large part to the dedicated crew members supporting the #9 Hendrick Motorsports chevrolet/”>Chevrolet. In several challenging races, including those at Daytona, Atlanta, and COTA, the team’s skillful and rapid repairs kept Elliott in contention for crucial points. “Our team does a really good job of just trying to piece stuff together,” he commented, highlighting the preparation and commitment required to handle setbacks, such as repairing damage or adjusting components mid-race. “It just comes down to those guys being prepared on pit road for toe-link changes or needing to patch together body pieces.”
For Chase Elliott, the Texas race represents both a chance for redemption and an opportunity to channel the hard-earned lessons of the past year. While steady results have kept his championship hopes alive, the hunger for victory persists, motivating both Elliott and his crew to push the limits. As the season progresses, the Texas Motor Speedway may well provide the backdrop for a powerful comeback, shaping not only Chase Elliott’s immediate prospects but also fueling fresh optimism for fans and his entire team, eager for the return of their champion to victory lane.
