Chase Elliott’s NASCAR comeback was marked by significant progress during the 2025 Cup Series season, even though he missed a spot in the Championship 4. Elliott advanced to the Round of 8, showing noticeable improvement after a couple of challenging years. Former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty discussed Elliott’s journey and the steps needed for him to return to his best form, highlighting the importance of Elliott rediscovering what once set him apart on the track. The conversation unfolded on the recent episode of NASCAR: Inside the Race, with Petty analyzing Elliott’s performance and potential.
What Elliott Needs to Recapture His Best
Kyle Petty reflected on Elliott’s past successes, pointing to the crucial qualities that made him a standout.
“I go back to when he won the championship,”
Petty stated, emphasizing memorable moments from Elliott’s achievements. Petty explained that Elliott once had
“a spark to him. There was something there. Something intangible. A little dazzle. You couldn’t put your finger on it, but there was something special.”
— Kyle Petty, Former NASCAR Driver. Petty linked this unique spark to the way Elliott carried himself in the garage and performed on the race track, stressing that this intangible element played a defining role in his championship-winning season.
According to Petty, although 2025 was a step forward with Elliott making the Round of 8, the driver is capable of much more. Petty believes that if Elliott can tap into the charisma and attitude he once showed, he has the potential to surpass his recent accomplishments and reclaim his former status among top drivers.
Performance on the Track and Areas for Growth
This season showed signs of a turnaround for Elliott, as he captured two wins and completed a notable third-place finish at Martinsville. However, despite his efforts, he fell short of entering the Championship 4, remaining 62 points below the necessary cutoff.
While some may speculate about skill or talent being obstacles, Petty dismissed these concerns:
“I think he’s got to find just as Steve said, what’s that line of getting in the corner? What’s that line of letting it roll, trailing the brake, getting in the corner, putting enough wheel in it, whatever that may be.”
— Kyle Petty, Former NASCAR Driver. According to Petty, Elliott’s real challenge is discovering the balance and feel with his car, particularly on demanding tracks like Martinsville.
Elliott, who races for Hendrick Motorsports, continues adapting to the characteristics of his car. This adjustment process is vital, as Petty predicts that understanding these details will help Elliott deliver even stronger results in the future.
Outlook for Elliott and Hendrick Motorsports
Although Elliott did not secure a championship appearance, he expressed pride in the recent results and acknowledged the diligent efforts of his No. 9 crew. Elliott openly voiced support for his teammates Kyle Larson and William Byron, expressing his desire for a Hendrick Motorsports victory in the championship chase.
The positive trajectory of Chase Elliott’s NASCAR comeback, highlighted by his strong finishes and renewed confidence, suggests he may be poised for greater success if he can rediscover the spirited approach that once made him a champion. As the next season approaches, both Elliott and his supporters will look for signs that the “spark” Kyle Petty described is making its return to the race track.
