Despite a season that would satisfy many drivers, Chase Elliott says he’s far from content with his current performance in the NASCAR Cup Series, citing qualifying as a primary factor in his ongoing struggles. As Elliott sits fifth in points nearly halfway through the 2025 season, his focus keyword—Chase Elliott NASCAR Cup Series struggles—has become central to his narrative, as he searches for solutions to end his winless drought.
Elliott Identifies Qualifying as the Major Obstacle
Chase Elliott’s results so far this year include nine top-10 finishes—with five of those being top-five showings—which paints a picture of consistent competitiveness. However, for the 2020 Cup Series champion and Hendrick Motorsports driver, expectations run higher, especially when trips to Victory Lane have remained elusive since April 2024. The main reason, according to Elliott, is clear: qualifying performance.
This Saturday night, Elliott will line up 15th on the grid for the NASCAR Cup Series race at EchoPark Speedway, formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway. This middle-of-the-pack starting position has become a trend for Elliott in 2025, as fast laps during time trials have been notably challenging. Out of 18 qualifying attempts, he has started in the top 10 only four times, which he sees as a significant fall-off from where he needs to be.
“I think there are a lot of things that go into that,”
Elliott explained.
“It’s a little bit of everything, truthfully, but I think probably the biggest one is qualifying. You know, I think the qualifying thing is so important and an area that I have struggled in. No doubt.”
—Chase Elliott, Driver
He’s aware of how starting farther back affects every aspect of race day, not just his position at the start of the race. The veteran driver elaborated on the broader influence of qualifying:
“Starting (green-flag) runs in traffic can just really dictate what your car drives like,”
Elliott commented.
“So, I think being up front, having a really good pit stall, keeping yourself up there, it can change the complexion of your day in such a large way. … I think that would be really top of mind for me as I look at what is one thing that we can do to help ourselves. I think that is probably it.”
—Chase Elliott, Driver
Focus Intensifies at Elliott’s Home Track
As a native of Dawsonville, Georgia, Chase Elliott is especially motivated to break his winless streak at his home venue, EchoPark Speedway. The significance of racing near Atlanta heightens his determination, as it’s a track he knows well and where a victory would carry extra meaning. The Cup Series event this Saturday night represents both a challenge and a golden opportunity for Elliott, who has only one career win in thirteen attempts at his home track.
The significance of winning at home is not lost on the most popular driver in NASCAR. Elliott is focused squarely on reversing his fortunes at EchoPark Speedway, aiming for his second victory on the Atlanta circuit and first win of the 2025 season. When asked about his mindset approaching this crucial race, Elliott was straightforward:
“I would like to go win,”
Elliott said. —Chase Elliott, Driver
Yet the pursuit of victory has proven anything but easy for the Georgia native this year, with each result closely tied to his performance in qualifying. For Elliott and the Hendrick Motorsports team, who have enjoyed championship success in the past, these persistent challenges highlight just how vital every aspect of preparation can be in the world of top-level stock car racing.
What Lies Ahead for Elliott and the Cup Series
Elliott’s focus on qualifying underscores its importance in shaping a driver’s race and overall season. As the Cup Series continues, his openness about his difficulties and determination to improve set the tone for the remaining events. The coming races will test whether adjustments in time trial performance can help deliver the victories both Elliott and his Dawsonville supporters crave. Meanwhile, the NASCAR world will be watching closely to see if one of the sport’s most talented and popular competitors can turn qualifying weaknesses into race-day triumphs.
