Chase Elliott demonstrated determination during his New Hampshire race, pushing his car to a top-five finish and highlighting his commitment to enhance his performance for Hendrick Motorsports as the playoffs continue. This latest Chase Elliott New Hampshire performance showcased gains by the team, but also exposed challenges they must conquer to realize their high ambitions.
Hendrick Motorsports Makes Mark with Multiple Top-Ten Finishes
In a promising display, Hendrick Motorsports drivers stepped up at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, with William Byron and Elliott both achieving significant results, while Kyle Larson also returned a solid showing. Byron led the charge with an impressive third-place result, while Elliott made an energetic comeback, rebounding from a difficult 27th-place qualifying spot to cross the line in fifth place. Larson contributed points by performing well in both early stages, ultimately securing seventh by the end of the race.
This marked a milestone for Hendrick Motorsports, as it was their first instance in ten years placing three drivers in the top ten at New Hampshire. Each driver maintained a strong pace throughout the challenging contest, underscoring the team’s growing momentum as the season progresses.
Elliott’s Path from Setback to Success
Elliott advanced to the top 20 by the end of the first stage, then surged into seventh at the Stage 2 mark. He maintained his position within the top pack for the closing laps, ultimately sealing a fifth-place finish—his third top-five result in twelve New Hampshire starts. Reflecting on these results, Elliott drew parallels to the team’s earlier performance at Gateway, which had yielded a comparable outcome behind rivals Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe.
Despite the strong recovery, Elliott stressed the importance of minimizing mistakes in critical moments, especially when competing with top contenders like Team Penske and New Hampshire winner Ryan Blaney. He admitted,
Just hate I put us in those holes. It’s a great day for sure, to battle back up through there and call our way back up into the mix, but you hate to have to do that and hate to have to put yourself in those positions.
? Chase Elliott, Driver
Elliott was quick to credit his pit crew for their efforts following a stall and recognized the strategic guidance of crew chief Alan Gustafson, whose quick decisions helped maintain their track position after pivotal green-flag pit stops in the final stage. This call turned out to be a decisive moment in gaining spots over key competitors.
Continuing to Chase the Front Runners
Even with progress, Elliott acknowledged the gap that remains between Hendrick Motorsports and the current frontrunners. He conceded,
Certainly, didn’t have anything for Ryan and those guys. Congrats to him, (he) did a great job. And (we) got to step up a little bit, I think, to catch them, but certainly competitive to the rest.
? Chase Elliott, Driver
With the playoff cut looming, all three Hendrick drivers remain above the elimination line ahead of the upcoming Kansas race and the Charlotte Roval. William Byron is in the lead among the HMS group, sitting 47 points clear, while Kyle Larson holds a 41-point advantage over the ninth spot. Elliott is currently seventh in the playoff standings, maintaining a 14-point buffer as the series advances.
What’s Next for Elliott and the Team
The determination of Chase Elliott to push past recent hurdles at New Hampshire signals a clear focus as the playoff rounds intensify. With the support of his team, strategic leadership from Alan Gustafson, and the collective drive of fellow HMS teammates Byron and Larson, Elliott aims to elevate his Chase Elliott New Hampshire performance and build momentum. As the competition heats up, increased consistency and minimizing costly errors will be vital for both individual and team success over the coming playoff races.
