Chase Elliott’s NASCAR performance analysis has come under scrutiny following the recent NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway, where a strategic pit stop and sudden rainfall hurt his chances for victory. Denny Hamlin, who clinched the win, offered candid remarks on the state of Elliott’s season and whether consistency can outweigh dominance among the sport’s elite.
The day unraveled for Elliott and Hendrick Motorsports after crew chief Alan Gustafson’s timing with pit strategy, just before the rain, backfired and ended Elliott’s hopes for a high finish. Despite starting from pole and showing strength early, Elliott was left with disappointment—a result Hamlin dissected on his Actions Detrimental podcast.
Hamlin Questions Elliott’s Race-Winning Authority
On his podcast, Denny Hamlin argued that while Chase Elliott is capable of leading significant portions of races and delivering solid finishes, he falls short of the consistent dominance displayed by some of his fellow Hendrick Motorsports teammates like Kyle Larson, as well as other top-tier competitors in the NASCAR Cup Series.
“To me it felt like one of his stronger performances…I just feel as though Chase is one of those guys that leads 100-200 laps in races, right? He’ll get you really good finishes and he’ll get you some wins, but it’s not dominating.
—Denny Hamlin, Actions Detrimental
Hamlin’s assessment highlights a nuanced distinction within NASCAR’s upper echelon: while Elliott racks up laps led and notches respectable results, he rarely controls an entire race weekend in the manner of Larson, William Byron, or Christopher Bell.
Consistency Propels Elliott into Season Title Race
Delving deeper into Elliott’s recent form, Hamlin noted that it is Elliott’s ability to deliver consistent finishes—especially when other front-runners hit trouble—that has helped him lead the regular season championship race in 2024. In the past six weeks, key contenders like William Byron, Christopher Bell, and even Hamlin himself have endured major setbacks, allowing Elliott to climb the leaderboard through steady results.
“Six weeks ago, he was 10th to 15th every week and then would finish in the top 10 because attrition and whatever, and now he’s leading. A lot of it is [William] Byron‘s had a very tough couple months. All of us guys at the top, there was three or four of us that had major issues. Chase doesn’t have those.
—Denny Hamlin, Actions Detrimental
This approach stands in contrast with the aggressive tactics many fans expected from the No. 9 team. Elliott and his team chose a calculated style, focusing on point accumulation over riskier go-for-broke strategies. The result has been a methodical rise, especially notable as other championship hopefuls struggle for consistency.
Turning the Corner: Elliott’s Momentum Grows
Notably, Hamlin acknowledged that Elliott’s rise is not a fluke of the Dover weekend or other isolated successes. There is a sense among observers—and rivals—that the No. 9 team has found a way to progress through the season, gaining strength each week.
“He’s made a massive run, and it’s not just because of this one week. I’ve just feel like they’ve turned the corner, and they are stronger now than what they were.
—Denny Hamlin, Actions Detrimental
This acknowledgment from a competitor like Hamlin underscores the evolving nature of Elliott’s campaign. While not dominating statistical charts with outright wins, his steady approach is turning heads across the garage—especially as others falter with matters of attrition, mechanical issues, or poor strategic calls.
Chase Elliott Responds to Setbacks and Maintains Focus
After the race at Dover, Chase Elliott shared his perspective with the media on how the No. 9 team is handling adversity. While the disappointment was clear after losing ground due to the ill-timed pit stop, Elliott remains optimistic, emphasizing both the challenges and opportunities that still lie ahead.
“You know you’re still early enough in the event at that point that there’s still a lot of time to recover. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows all the time, so you just have to deal with whatever comes your way, and we had an issue come our way and I felt like we’ve dealt with it well.
—Chase Elliott
This measured response reflects both the pressures of competing against championship contenders like Larson, Byron, and Bell, and the faith Elliott has in his crew’s ability to adjust and rebound over the remainder of the regular season.
Looking Ahead: Elliott’s Goals as Playoffs Approach
With five regular season races remaining before the NASCAR playoffs commence, Elliott has outlined two key ambitions. First, he aims to add another win to his 2024 tally and leverage that momentum as the stakes grow higher. Second, he hopes to secure his second championship in the Next-Gen era, capitalizing on his team’s upward trend and recent consistency.
Elliott’s trajectory is now being closely watched by fans, fellow drivers, and analysts within the NASCAR Cup Series. As the playoff field tightens and performance gaps narrow, questions linger: Can Chase Elliott’s brand of surgical consistency propel him past drivers who show more outright dominance but less reliability? Or will the likes of Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, and William Byron regain their edge in time for the postseason push?
With the season reaching a pivotal juncture, the debate over what matters most in NASCAR—dominance or consistency—remains very much alive, with Chase Elliott serving as this year’s ultimate case study.
