Chase Elliott’s runner-up finish at Hickory Speedway in the ASA STARS National Tour left the Georgia native with a sense of unfinished business, as he missed out on victory ahead of a critical race weekend. Elliott, seeking to snap a winless streak in the Cup Series and generate momentum before the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, placed second in the Ross & Witmer 255 after being unable to overtake Colby Howard, who dominated the event Thursday night.
Elliott Seeks Restitution After Tough Bout at Hickory
On May 23, 2025, Chase Elliott arrived at Hickory Motor Speedway with high expectations following a string of mixed results at the venue since 2023. Each year since the ASA STARS National Tour began hosting races at Hickory, Elliott has sought to secure a win and set the tone for his season, especially with key NASCAR events looming. After a solid fifth-place showing at SpeedFest in Cordele, Elliott hoped his experience and renewed drive would translate to triumph at what is called the “Birthplace of NASCAR Stars.”
The race, however, unfolded differently than Elliott intended. Colby Howard, representing Anthony Campi Racing and hailing from South Carolina, asserted commanding control of the 255-lap race, exploiting Cole Butcher’s late misfortune to move up. Meanwhile, Elliott methodically worked his way through the field, keeping within striking distance of the lead yet never quite finding the rhythm or opportunity he needed for the win.
Elliott’s desire for redemption was evident, especially considering his sixth-place finish in the inaugural Hickory event, followed by an early retirement due to mechanical failure the following year. The stakes felt even higher as he aims to break a winless spell in the Cup Series and return to his former championship form.
Chase Elliott Reflects on the Race and His Performance
After the race, Chase Elliott candidly evaluated his night at Hickory, acknowledging both progress and lingering frustration.
“We were solid. When it came time to push, to keep pace, I was really needing to work really hard. I just drove over the tires more than I wanted to compared to the first part of the run. I wanted to settle in but I couldn’t find a great rhythm. We just kept chipping away at it and got it much better today than yesterday (in practice) which was nice. I’m sure (Butcher) would have been really good and hard to beat too but fun to be in the mix.”
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
Throughout the waning laps, Elliott closed in on Howard but could not bridge the gap enough to challenge for the lead, particularly after sustaining damage to his car’s nose. Despite the disappointment, his pace and resilience stood out, suggesting signs of a potential comeback. His quote captured the conflicted emotions typical of a top-tier competitor still searching for a return to victory lane.
Notably, the event drew the presence of NASCAR’s elite, with Kevin Harvick in attendance as grand marshal, adding to the atmosphere that underlined Hickory’s historical significance within the sport. The presence of former champions and current Cup Series favorites elevated the stakes for all involved, especially for a driver of Elliott’s stature.
Howard’s Victory Steals the Spotlight from Elliott
While Elliott’s performance was a focal point, the night ultimately belonged to Colby Howard. Reuniting with Anthony Campi Racing, Howard capitalized on the challenges faced by his competitors and managed his car and race strategy with precision. With 40 laps remaining, he took the lead and then defended it doggedly against Elliott’s pursuit.
Howard expressed his sense of breakthrough after recent struggles in the NASCAR Trucks and Xfinity Series.
“This is huge. We’ve had some tough races up to this point. We’ve just been off past three or four races. I’m not sure what it was. I went home upset and mad at myself, all this stuff, asking myself if I can do this, and I really locked in this week and focused hard. Me and Cody (Glick) worked hard this week. I did my thing and he did his, and here we are. This is huge and what I need more of to pick up by the end of the year.”
—Colby Howard, ASA STARS National Tour Winner
Howard’s success at Hickory was not just a personal triumph. It signaled the depth of talent emerging in the short-track world, with drivers transferring their experience from the Trucks and Xfinity Series into meaningful wins on a national stage. His attention now turns to the Appalachian Sucker Punch ASA STARS National Tour at Newport Speedway, where he will attempt to build on his momentum and potentially achieve another victory at the Food Country USA 300.
The Road Ahead for Chase Elliott
Chase Elliott’s runner-up finish at Hickory Speedway raised questions among fans and analysts alike: is this a sign that the 2020 Cup Series champion is poised for a comeback, or is it another chapter in an extended bout of near-misses? Though Elliott fell short of victory, his consistent performances at high-profile events like Cordele Motor Speedway and now Hickory suggest he remains a formidable presence in both regional late model racing and on the broader NASCAR scene.
As Elliott prepares for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, expectations are high that he can translate his recent form into results on NASCAR’s biggest stage. The coming weeks will reveal whether his renewed competitiveness leads to redemption or another dose of heartbreak for both the driver and his loyal fans.
