Kyle Larson expressed his surprise after seeing the Chase Elliott Atlanta victory impact on the current NASCAR title race, noting how a single win dramatically changed the championship picture. Elliott’s consistent performance throughout the season, topped off with his Atlanta triumph, has placed him squarely in the championship conversation heading into the critical phase of the year.
Elliott’s Understated Season Takes Center Stage After Atlanta
Prior to securing victory at Atlanta, Chase Elliott’s season had flown somewhat under the radar despite routinely finishing inside the top 10 and avoiding DNFs across 19 starts. This quiet consistency allowed Elliott to remain a serious contender while Larson, after a 17th place finish at Atlanta, slipped to third in the standings. On July 12, at Sonoma Raceway, Larson addressed the media and spoke candidly about being caught off guard by Elliott’s rapid ascent in the rankings.
“We’ve been missing out on stage points. So, we’ve kind of lost track a little bit there and and others have been doing a good job. And Chase is always consistent, so he’s just quietly kind of there, you know, after his win that he had, I was shocked. I didn’t even know he was that close in points,” he said via Cup Scene. [3:19 onwards] —Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver
During the dramatic Atlanta race, Elliott managed to survive multiple wrecks and a string of cautions, ultimately crossing the line first to break a lengthy winless streak. The victory carried special weight for Elliott, as it came before an enthusiastic home crowd cheering from the grandstands.
Current Standings Highlight Team Dynamics at Hendrick Motorsports
As both Elliott and Larson qualified outside the top-10 at Sonoma, their Hendrick Motorsports teammate, William Byron, continued to display his season-long form, securing a third-place starting position among the frontrunners. Despite Larson still holding the edge in playoff wins with three, Elliott’s surge after Atlanta puts additional pressure on the championship race as the season progresses.
This competitive environment within Hendrick Motorsports leaves the door open for mid-season surprises, with all three drivers eyeing deeper playoff runs. Fans eager to follow the action can watch the Toyota/Save Mart 350 on TNT Sports at 3:30 PM ET or listen for updates via SiriusXM.
Elliott Addresses Criticism and the Support of Fans
Chase Elliott recently spoke to Jeff Gluck of the New York Times, reflecting on how he manages outside scrutiny and chooses where to focus his attention. Elliott’s approach continues to center around his core relationships within the team, rather than public opinion.
“I don’t really ask enough to care to know, honestly — and that’s fine. I’m totally OK with that. You have the folks who are around you — your team and the people you go to battle with each week — and it’s about showing up for them at the end of the day. I have really learned to put less and less stock in that,” he said. —Chase Elliott, HMS Driver
Following the Atlanta win, Elliott took the time to thank his dedicated fan base for their unwavering support, sharing an emotional celebration with those in attendance. As the reigning Most Popular Driver for seven consecutive years, Elliott has embraced a role once held by Dale Earnhardt Jr., further solidifying his place as NASCAR’s favorite among supporters. With his recent resurgence on the track, Elliott looks ready to further increase his following as the title race intensifies.
