When it comes to the NASCAR Playoffs, Chase Elliott is prioritizing his personal ambitions over team loyalty at Hendrick Motorsports, making his Chase Elliott playoff mindset and strategy clear as the most important rounds approach. Elliott, the 2020 Cup Series champion, addressed the issue during a recent PRN media session, laying out exactly how he separates friendship from competition when all four Hendrick drivers—including Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Alex Bowman—remain in championship contention.
Hendrick Drivers Face Off Despite Strong Bonds
Elliott recognizes that there is a close relationship among Hendrick’s drivers, but he clarifies that camaraderie does not equal orchestrated teamwork, especially as the playoffs intensify. Each driver enters the postseason with personal expectations and a competitive drive to perform at the highest level.
“We race each other hard, but you know, look, I think that there’s always an added level of respect amongst your teammates,”
—Chase Elliott, 2020 Cup Series Champion
While respect plays a role among the group, Elliott emphasizes that every team member strives to execute independently. The arrangement within Hendrick Motorsports means there is mutual understanding, but no guarantees that one will step aside for another’s advantage.
“But we have expectations that we put upon ourselves and of our individual teams that we want to go out and execute. I understand that of them and their team, just like fortunately, you know my teammates are, we have a good group and everyone understands that part of it,”
—Chase Elliott, 2020 Cup Series Champion
Elliott Prioritizes Individual Success in Playoff Scenarios
Playoff racing brings unique challenges that force even the most unified teammates to become rivals. Elliott openly admits there are moments when being self-focused is necessary for survival and advancement in the Cup Series postseason.
“I think there’s definitely times where you have to be selfish, and that’s part of the deal,”
—Chase Elliott, 2020 Cup Series Champion
Elliott adds,
“There are opportunities where you can lend a hand, or at least just not be a total jerk in certain situations. But I think that just comes to general respect for your peers, not just your teammates.”
—Chase Elliott, 2020 Cup Series Champion
This approach signals that Elliott will not hinder his fellow Hendrick drivers on purpose, yet he will not give up his own shot at the title just to assist them. His competitive edge remains sharp, putting the focus squarely on advancing his own playoff campaign rather than sacrificing for the group’s overall success.
The Stakes Rise as Hendrick Quartet Targets History
Elliott has been pursuing a second Cup championship since his 2020 triumph. The journey has been marked by injuries and setbacks, notably through the 2023 season, but he has recently reclaimed his status as a weekly frontrunner going into 2025.
Hendrick Motorsports, housing Elliott, Larson, Byron, and Bowman, is in an uncommon position—fielding perhaps the strongest team of playoff contenders in recent NASCAR memory. Unlike other organizations with fewer drivers in the mix, this scenario creates both a tremendous asset and additional complexity. Each Hendrick driver knows they may be racing not just against the field, but also against those they work alongside throughout the season.
The challenge for Hendrick is that its depth means internal conflicts are inevitable, with Elliott and his teammates forced to prioritize their own interests in the closing rounds. As the NASCAR Playoffs progress, race fans can expect more intense competition among this elite group, with every driver aiming to seize the championship spotlight for themselves—and nobody willing to take a backseat.
