Chase Elliott, currently ranked sixth in the standings and 23 points from the Championship 4 cutline, is leaning on his commitment to measured, consistent driving as he approaches the upcoming Talladega event. His belief in patience over reckless moves is reinforced by his observations of Ryan Blaney’s smart racing approach, which has proven effective in high-pressure situations.
Drawing Inspiration from Blaney’s Strategic Mindset
The Hendrick Motorsports driver has expressed that he will not let the pressure of the playoffs dictate risky tactics. Instead, he is opting for a strategy rooted in positioning and smart decision-making, inspired by peers like Ryan Blaney and Denny Hamlin.
“I don’t look at it that way,”
Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Driver, said. He emphasized the importance of not making desperate decisions even when the stakes are high.
“The best example I can give you is Ryan Blaney doesn’t make crazy blocks, and he wins more of these things than anybody else, and Denny too. Those guys put themselves in good positions, smart positions.”
— Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Driver
“I don’t think you have to get super crazy and wild to be smart and put yourself in positions to win these races and then ultimately to go win them. So I’m gonna try and make my decisions based off of what I think is the right decision at that time to give ourself the best chance to win.”
— Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Driver
“And if it works out, then great, and if it doesn’t, then you have to have confidence in the moves you make to make them successful,”
Elliott continued. — Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Driver
A Proven Record of Steadiness on Drafting Tracks
Throughout his career, Elliott has secured four wins across 53 starts on drafting tracks, with an average finish of 15.8. At Talladega specifically, he ranks third among all active drivers in average finish, with marks that include two victories, six top-five finishes, and nine top-ten results in 19 starts. Earlier this season, Elliott managed to climb from the 30th starting position to finish fifth, demonstrating his preference for patience and well-timed opportunism.
Staying Focused on the Path to Phoenix
Elliott’s goal for Talladega remains clear: maintain consistency, gather stage points, and avoid becoming a casualty in the chaotic nature of restrictor-plate racing. He understands that, like Ryan Blaney’s smart racing philosophy, a calm and strategic approach can be just as effective as bold moves for success in the high-stress environment.
By relying on composure and strategic thinking — the same traits he sees in Blaney and Denny Hamlin — Elliott aims to keep himself in contention for a spot in Phoenix, believing that success hinges more on smart positioning than wild heroics. For the NASCAR star and his #9 HMS team, surviving the intense playoff moments with discipline and clarity remains the ultimate path forward.
"I don't think you have to get super crazy and wild to be smart and put yourself in positions to win these races." @chaseelliott
He named @Blaney and @dennyhamlin as good examples of not making crazy moves. #NASCAR
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— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) October 18, 2025
