Chase Elliott’s top-20 streak ends at Watkins Glen after a challenging run, bringing an impressive and consistent performance record to a close in the NASCAR Cup Series. The 26-race milestone snapped during Sunday’s event, raising the stakes in the race for the season’s championship standings.
Watkins Glen Marks the End of Elliott’s Historic Run
The conclusion of Elliott’s stretch of top finishes came during the Go Bowling at the Glen, held at a track where he previously claimed two victories. Entering the race, Chase Elliott had placed inside the top 20 in all 23 events of the 2025 season, maintaining the run since October 2024 at Homestead–Miami. However, his No. 9 team faced setbacks at Watkins Glen, where Elliott ultimately secured 26th place, halting his noteworthy streak.
“Chase Elliott has finished top 20 in every single race this season.He runs 24th with the laps winding down.I never would’ve guessed Watkins Glen would be the troublemaker.” — Eric Estepp, NASCAR Reporter
Points Lead Narrows in NASCAR Cup Series Standings
This result altered the championship landscape, as Elliott dropped 24 points to current standings leader William Byron, widening Byron’s advantage in the battle for the Cup Series regular-season title. The points gap between Elliott and Byron has expanded to 42, while Elliott holds a 39-point edge over third-place Denny Hamlin, adding pressure as the season progresses.
Though Elliott, the 2020 Cup Series champion, has experienced only three race wins since October 2022, his consistency has been unmatched. In 2024, the Hendrick Motorsports driver completed 19 straight top-20 finishes at the season’s start, with only the Chicago Street Course interrupting the run at 21st place.
Elliott Eyes Recovery with Intense Competition Ahead
After his showing at Watkins Glen, Elliott remains sixth in the Cup Series playoff standings with one win to his credit for 2025. He is preparing to rebound at Richmond Raceway on August 16, aiming to regain momentum as the championship battle continues. William Byron and Denny Hamlin remain leading figures in the ongoing contest, with each event shaping the playoff landscape.
This latest development highlights the shifting dynamics in NASCAR, where consistency and adaptability play pivotal roles in championship campaigns. As Elliott works to recover from this setback, all eyes will be on upcoming races to see how the standings may shift further.
