As the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season approaches, Chase Elliott is setting his sights on a fresh start following a demanding Chase Elliott NASCAR 2025 season. The Dawsonville native will return behind the wheel of his No. 9 Chevy Camaro for the season’s inaugural event, the Cook Out Clash at Winston-Salem’s historic Bowman Gray Stadium, looking to build on recent momentum and put past struggles behind him.
Reflecting on his 2025 performance, Elliott secured two race victories, captured 11 top-five finishes, and landed 19 top-10s, leading 454 laps over the course of 36 starts. Among his high points was a win at the previous Cook Out Clash, affirming his strength as a competitor at the exhibition opener. Elliott now enters the new season with a total of 21 Cup Series wins and one All-Star Race triumph to his name, in addition to his 2014 championship in what is now the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Overcoming Adversity: Elliott’s Reflections and Commitment
Elliott’s results in 2025, while impressive in isolation, were hard-fought in the wake of a challenging injury the year before—he suffered a fractured tibia in 2023 due to a skiing accident, an event that disrupted his racing rhythm and forced him to work vigorously to regain his form. Notably, he broke a 44-race winless streak at Atlanta Motor Speedway, now renamed EchoPark Speedway, demonstrating his resilience as a driver and competitor.
Sharing insights on his year, Elliott expressed satisfaction with select highlights even if the statistics didn’t always tell the story.
“Obviously, the Clash went really well, which doesn’t have anything to do with the numbers,”
Chase Elliott said (via ESPN).
“But that part went well. I thought some of the opening speedway races went well.”
– Chase Elliott, Driver
Reflecting further, Elliott attributed some of his numbers to strategic survival throughout the year.
“Truthfully, I think some of the numbers were reflected by the fact that we didn’t get caught up in the wrecks,”
Elliott continued.
“I really didn’t feel like our performance got to its peak until probably the last month or month and a half of the season.”
– Chase Elliott, Driver
Targeting Early-Season Success at Bowman Gray and Daytona
Chase Elliott now prepares to defend his title at Bowman Gray Stadium, a venue steeped in history located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The Cup Series’ return to this legendary 0.25-mile oval last year ended a 54-year absence; Elliott was the only driver in this era to claim Victory Lane at this track, putting his name in the history books.
The 2026 exhibition opener, a 200-lap showcase scheduled for Monday, February 2, will again test the field in front of a passionate crowd. Elliott, determined to repeat his success, spotlighted the atmosphere and significance of the event.
“I’m looking forward to going back. I thought it was a great event last year,”
Elliott said in an interview.
“A lot of energy and excitement around it. I think the crowd, the vibes were great. Obviously, it went really well for us. But even outside of that, I thought it was really good. So yeah, I’m ready to get going.”
– Chase Elliott, Driver
The buzz at Bowman Gray exemplifies the unique spirit of NASCAR’s special events, and Elliott’s eagerness signals his desire to set a powerful tone for the new season.
Soon after Bowman Gray, Elliott and his Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron will return to Florida for one of motorsport’s most prestigious events, the Daytona 500. Taking place February 15 and known as the “crown jewel” of NASCAR, this 500-mile challenge will be broadcast live on FOX at 2:30 pm ET, with radio coverage on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. To date, only Byron among active Hendrick contenders has captured the Daytona title, providing extra motivation for Elliott and the No. 9 team to aim high this year.
A Fresh Chapter and Expectations for Redemption
Entering his new campaign, Elliott combines a seasoned perspective shaped by adversity with a renewed sense of possibility. His dedication to recovering from injury and improving late in the 2025 season has set the stage for potential redemption and further accolades. The pressure is heightened by past accomplishments—his previous wins, All-Star Race victory, and series championship continue to shape expectations from fans and analysts alike.
The current energy, anticipation among the crowd, and the landmark return to venues like Bowman Gray reflect the ongoing evolution of NASCAR and its stars. As Elliott continues his pursuit with Hendrick Motorsports, his narrative remains intertwined with that of other prominent entities and events, such as Dawsonville, EchoPark Speedway, and the Daytona spectacle in Florida.
For fans eager to witness Elliott’s bid for a turnaround after his determined efforts in 2025, the opening races will provide a clear signal about both his form and potential. With extensive coverage planned by FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, and plenty of excitement surrounding the early part of the season, Chase Elliott’s journey from challenge to possible triumph will remain at the center of the NASCAR conversation in 2026.
