Chase Elliott on Next Gen car changes has explained his calm approach to NASCAR‘s ongoing technical evolutions, stating simply that he focuses on driving rather than worrying about things out of his hands. Elliott, a driver for Hendrick Motorsports, opened up prior to Cup Series practice at Bristol, outlining why he prefers not to weigh in on the ongoing debates over car and tire changes.
Elliott’s Attitude Stands Apart in Next Gen Car Debate
In recent years, numerous drivers, including Denny Hamlin, have voiced strong opinions regarding the Next Gen car’s features—covering aspects such as horsepower, tires, and aerodynamics. Hamlin, in particular, has been highly visible in the discussion, sharing his perspectives through both media appearances and his personal podcast. However, Chase Elliott has taken a distinctly different stance, rarely sharing his thoughts on technical changes in public forums.
Elliott discussed his approach with Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports on Friday, ahead of racing activities at Bristol. Despite keeping a low profile on these issues, Elliott acknowledged that he and his counterparts naturally have their own ideas about improvements, but he intentionally avoids getting involved in the technical tug-of-war this Next Gen car has sparked.
“Always good to try to improve, and who knows what that is?”
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
He elaborated that results from practice sessions may bring more clarity, but for now a sense of uncertainty permeates the garage, fueled by speculation and rumor about what changes could be coming or what their effects might be. Elliott’s willingness to see how changes play out without jumping to conclusions sets him apart from more vocal colleagues.
Focus on Driving, Not Debating
Elliott’s philosophy is centered on staying in his lane, quite literally, and not spending energy on technical aspects beyond his control. His role, as he sees it, is to drive the car assigned by NASCAR and Hendrick Motorsports and make it go fast within the current rules package. While others debate tire compounds and diffuser configurations, Elliott focuses solely on extracting the best performance from his machine.
“And I thought, I caught a little bit of the Truck [Series] race here last night, and it looked really normal to me, honestly. I actually felt like they moved up to the top quicker than I had seen that race do in the past. So, yeah, I don’t know. I’m up for trying it. Hopefully, it goes better, and if it doesn’t, we’ll reevaluate.”
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
This attitude is not universal among drivers. While Elliott keeps to himself, drivers like Ross Chastain have also expressed a willingness to adapt to whatever changes come, highlighting a common thread among those less interested in contentious debates. These drivers emphasize action and adaptability—essential traits given the frequency of technical changes within NASCAR.
Elliott’s Philosophy on Control and Expertise
When confronted with questions about whether he’s better at handling change than his peers, Elliott made it clear that he does not concern himself with aspects outside his expertise or jurisdiction. For him, stressing over evolving car regulations serves no purpose, as he has no decision-making authority in such matters.
“I’m not going to stress over it. Because I have no control over it,”
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
He added, the manufacturing of tires and the engineering of the car itself are not within his realm of expertise and, thus, not issues he believes he should pretend to solve. Instead, he is comfortable relying on those whose job it is to make those decisions, and he reserves his energy for what he can control—performance on race day.
“You know, I think we all have ideas and opinions and things we want to see better, but man, I think if you sit here and act like you have all the answers, one hundred percent, then boy, you’re either really smart or…I don’t know. But I certainly don’t have all the answers. It’s just not an area that I have any say-so in, and I think for me it’s more productive to just try to focus on the things that are in my control and try to go as fast as possible and adapt to whatever it is that we’re faced with.”
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
Elliott’s remarks have invited comparisons to drivers like Denny Hamlin, who are outspoken about the car and the changes needed. While some may interpret Elliott’s statements as a gentle critique, he maintains that it is simply a reflection of where he chooses to focus his efforts.
Broader Trends Among Drivers Responding to Next Gen Rules
Similar views have come from others in the Cup Series garage, such as Ross Chastain, who also prefers adapting to rules changes rather than becoming involved in debates. The reality faced by all drivers, whether at NASCAR, Bristol, or new tracks, is that they must operate within the established rules, making the best of whatever package is available at the time. As a result, many, like Elliott, see little benefit in worrying about decisions they cannot influence.
Potential Impact of Elliott’s Approach
Elliott’s deliberate focus on controllable elements—his own preparation, adaptability, and performance—might prove beneficial as NASCAR continues evolving the Next Gen platform. While the debate over rules, tires, and configurations remains heated and emotionally charged, Elliott’s calm method could provide a model for others seeking consistency in a turbulent technical era. As the season progresses and more changes potentially arise, how drivers balance feedback, adaptation, and focus will continue to affect both competitive results and the direction of the sport.
