Chase Elliott struggles to win in NASCAR Next Gen era, drawing sharp criticism from former driver Kyle Petty, who recently voiced doubts about Elliott’s status as a top competitor. Petty’s pointed remarks come as Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion driving the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports chevrolet/”>Chevrolet, remains winless in the current season after the arrival of the Next Gen car.
Kyle Petty Questions Chase Elliott’s Ability to Win Consistently
Elliott, once heralded as one of NASCAR’s brightest talents and noted for his adaptability across various track types, has faced ongoing challenges since the sport introduced the Next Gen car in 2022. Despite strong showings in stage points and several solid finishes, Elliott has not secured a win fourteen races into the season. His position as fifth in the regular standings may seem positive, but for Petty, the lack of victories tells a different story.
Comparisons to teammates like Kyle Larson and William Byron put Elliott’s recent performance into perspective. Both Larson and Byron have been strong contenders for Hendrick Motorsports (HMS), frequently running at the front, with Byron in particular often finishing in the top five and controlling races. Petty drew attention specifically to Byron’s and Larson’s competitiveness, noting the stark contrast with Elliott’s results as the season unfolded.
What happened to the day when he (Chase Elliott) could win on every track?
—Kyle Petty, Former NASCAR Driver and Analyst
And we look at the #5 (Larson) car yesterday (Nashville), horrendous performance in the first segment, was within 15-20 feet of getting lapped, and they work, and he gets a top 10 out of it. The whole time he’s doing this, the #9 car is hovering around 17th, 18th, 19th.
—Kyle Petty, Former NASCAR Driver and Analyst
‘Perennial Pretender’ Label and Elliott’s Changed Trajectory
Petty has argued that the HMS organization consistently supplies race-ready, competitive cars, but based on recent form, doubts whether Elliott or his teammate Alex Bowman are ready for a deep playoff push this year. These concerns stem not just from recent race finishes but also from overall season trajectories amid strong performances by others within the same team.
I took a double-take because I thought you said a perennial pretender.
—Kyle Petty, Former NASCAR Driver and Analyst
Since the debut of the seventh-generation car, and following Elliott’s widely reported ski accident, the former champion has yet to regain his former dominance. For many, this shift signals a significant change in his role among active drivers, with Petty questioning if Elliott can regain his contender status or if he will continue to fall short of expectations.
Elliott’s Mindset for Playoffs and the Future
Despite the criticism, Elliott maintains a pragmatic outlook on his performance and playoff ambitions. He has emphasized that earning playoff points is more valuable than simply securing a spot in the postseason by a narrow margin, suggesting he is focused on building consistency rather than chasing single wins. Whether this strategic approach will deliver better results for Elliott and the No. 9 crew remains uncertain as the season progresses toward 2025.
I want to be in the group of people of how many playoff points do you have, not just barely getting in,
—Chase Elliott, Driver, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
The tension surrounding Elliott’s struggles highlights the scrutiny top drivers face in the NASCAR Cup Series, especially with Hendrick Motorsports setting high expectations. With teammates like William Byron and Kyle Larson excelling, Elliott and Alex Bowman will need more than consistency to silence critics and recapture their reputations as championship threats. The coming races will be crucial as Elliott works to shift perceptions and prove himself capable of winning again in NASCAR’s challenging Next Gen era.
