Chase Elliott has long carried the label of NASCAR’s top road course driver, and few tracks test that reputation more than Sonoma Raceway. With a technical layout, elevation changes, and sharp braking zones, the California road course is a proving ground for discipline and speed. In both 2024 and 2025, Elliott delivered top-tier performances at Sonoma—but a close comparison shows a quiet evolution in his approach. From a strong but static run in 2024 to a late-race surge in 2025, Elliott’s recent showings signal he may be inching closer to that elusive first Sonoma win.
2024: A Solid Showing, Missing a Final Push
In 2024, Chase Elliott logged his sixth top-10 finish in eight Sonoma starts, coming home fourth. It was a performance that reflected everything fans have come to expect from Elliott at road courses: clean lines, efficient tire management, and minimal mistakes. He ran inside the top five for most of the afternoon, clearly in the mix, but couldn’t quite mount a challenge against front-runners like Kyle Larson, who ultimately won the race.
Elliott’s 2024 Sonoma effort was strategically sound. The Hendrick Motorsports No. 9 team executed well on pit road, and Elliott maintained his position despite late-race cautions. Still, he lacked that final burst of speed that could have placed him in contention for the win.
Key Takeaways from 2024:
Finish: 4th place
Top 5s at Sonoma (2024): 6 in 8 career starts
Race Highlight: Solid execution, limited overtaking ability late
Narrative: Consistent contender, but didn’t pressure the leaders
2025: Back on the Podium, One Step Closer
In 2025, Chase Elliott returned to Sonoma with something extra: a sharper edge in the closing laps. Although he didn’t dominate the race or lead laps, Elliott quietly stayed inside the top five all afternoon, positioning himself to make gains when it mattered most. As the field settled into long green-flag runs, he began picking off cars, climbing up to third place by the checkered flag.
Unlike in 2024, Elliott showed improved tire management, using his fresher tires more aggressively during the final stage. He closed the gap on Chase Briscoe in the last few laps and held off a charge from Michael McDowell to claim a spot on the podium behind Shane van Gisbergen, who had led an overwhelming 97 of 110 laps.
Highlights from 2025:
Finish: 3rd place
Top 10s at Sonoma (2025): 7 in 9 career starts
Race Highlight: Gained positions late, excellent long-run pace
Narrative: Smart strategy, closed late, clear progress from 2024
Head-to-Head: 2024 vs. 2025 at a Glance
| Year | Finish | Race Highlight |
| 2024 | 4th | Consistent, lacked late charge |
| 2025 | 3rd | Strong finish, late-race surge |
The numbers tell a subtle but important story. While Elliott only moved up one position year over year, the way he got there matters. In 2024, he maintained his ground. In 2025, he gained ground late, a crucial trait when it comes to winning tightly contested road course races.
Why 2025 Matters More
1. Better Execution Under Pressure
Elliott’s ability to manage his equipment late in the race was the difference-maker in 2025. His car held speed deep into the final laps, and his team’s call to pit slightly later proved decisive for track position.
2. Championship Positioning
After Sonoma, Elliott sat second in the championship standings, trailing only teammate William Byron. Every point matters, and this third-place finish helped Elliott tighten the title chase—something his 2024 fourth-place result hadn’t quite accomplished.
3. Still Chasing the Win
Despite being a road course standout with multiple wins at tracks like Watkins Glen and the Charlotte Roval, Chase Elliott remains winless at Sonoma. But 2025 showed that gap is shrinking. With the No. 9 team finding more speed and Elliott improving his race craft in the final stage, that first Sonoma win feels closer than ever.
News in Brief: Chase Elliott Sonoma Performance Comparison
Elliott’s career at Sonoma now includes seven top-10 finishes in nine starts, placing him among the best on the track in recent history. And while Shane van Gisbergen may have claimed the “road course king” title in 2025, Elliott’s steady presence in the top five keeps him firmly in the conversation.
With more road courses still on the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series schedule, including Indianapolis, Watkins Glen, and the Charlotte Roval, Elliott will have more chances to remind everyone why he’s considered one of the best on left-and-right-turn tracks.
ALSO READ: What You Need to Know About Sonoma Raceway Before NASCAR Returns
