With the NASCAR postseason format reverting to its storied Chase system in 2026, Chase Elliott is aiming to match the prestigious Kyle Busch NASCAR record of winning championships under both the Playoffs and Chase formats. Elliott, determined to capitalize on Hendrick Motorsports‘ resurgence, knows the coming season presents a unique shot at joining an elite group already featuring Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch.
Chase Elliott Looks to Join NASCAR’s Dual-Format Champions
Since clinching the Cup Series title in 2020, Chase Elliott has faced challenges maintaining the dominance expected from a top-tier Hendrick Motorsports driver. While he logs race wins every year, meeting the highest standards means more—especially as new rules reignite old rivalries. With NASCAR restoring the Chase structure in 2026, a wave of excitement has spread among the younger generation, including Elliott and his peer Ryan Blaney, who grew up watching the original Chase era and are eager for another chance at its unique pressures and rewards.
If Elliott can claim the 2026 championship, he will become just the third driver in the sport’s history to seize titles under both the Playoffs and the Chase systems, a rare distinction currently held only by Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch. The structure might be tweaked for the modern era, but for Elliott and his competitors, the stakes and emotions remain as meaningful as they were in the Chase’s heyday.
Late Surge Highlights Elliott’s Renewed Drive
Reflecting on the 2025 campaign, Elliott acknowledged that his team’s true potential emerged only late in the season:
“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. That’s when I felt like, ‘Hey, we’re leading some laps and just more competitive and giving ourselves more opportunities.'” — Chase Elliott, Driver
Despite finishing eighth overall in 2025, a slight dip from seventh the prior year, Elliott demonstrated a return to form with two wins and a renewed ability to lead laps—signals that his confidence and competitiveness are trending upward. He identified consistency, rather than pure win totals, as the hallmark of true form:
“It’s more about putting yourself in position consistently and every week than it is the actual win. You’re going to get your turn. You will get your opportunity. It’s not always going to work out for you. … But if you put yourself there often enough, it will, and that’s more of what I want to see and what our definition of being in form is.” — Chase Elliott, Driver
The revised NASCAR postseason format rewards exactly this type of steady, measured performance. With attention to detail and relentless presence near the front, Elliott is positioning himself as a formidable challenger for 2026—just as his team and fans expect.
Team Leadership Backing Elliott’s Chase
Support from within is also critical. Jeff Gordon, now a co-owner at Hendrick Motorsports and one of NASCAR’s all-time greats, sees significant progress and commitment in the Elliott camp. Gordon has emphasized the integral relationship between Elliott and his crew chief Alan, underlining the importance of unity and engagement:
“More engaged, stepping in, elevating the team, the information he’s bringing and really feeling like this is home for him,” — Jeff Gordon, Co-Owner, Hendrick Motorsports
“I tell him all the time, ‘You’re a franchise guy. This team is your team.’ He and Alan have a very powerful relationship. Alan is an incredibly talented guy, and I think sometimes it just takes getting all the right pieces in place at the right times.” — Jeff Gordon, Co-Owner, Hendrick Motorsports
As someone who carries the legendary Elliott name—his father Bill Elliott was a NASCAR star—Chase faces unique expectations in the garage. Gordon recognizes the pressure but also expresses deep faith in Elliott’s ability to match and even surpass that legacy:
“I was very impressed with what they did last year. I think it was a new look and perspective of their commitment to one another, to what they need to do, the details of what it takes to push yourself, push the cars and what our competitors are doing.” — Jeff Gordon, Co-Owner, Hendrick Motorsports
“When you put a race like that together, and you do that over enough races, it builds confidence,” — Jeff Gordon, Co-Owner, Hendrick Motorsports
“And when you have the final race of the season go like that, even though you’re not in the championship hunt, you build on that over the offseason.” — Jeff Gordon, Co-Owner, Hendrick Motorsports
Gordon’s ongoing mentorship, combined with Alan’s technical expertise and Elliott’s drive, suggests that the necessary pieces for a championship challenge are coming together at a crucial moment.
Adjusting to the Changing NASCAR Landscape
The transition to the Next Gen car has posed difficulties for Elliott, limiting his wins in recent seasons compared to the dominance he displayed up to 2022. While three victories across two years may seem underwhelming, his recent pace and leadership indicate that he and his team are adapting effectively as they target the 2026 season.
Elliott’s experience is mirrored by teammates like Alex Bowman, who also must leave frustration behind and focus on maximizing their equipment week in, week out. The competitive landscape is as fierce as ever, with rivals such as Ryan Blaney and established stars like Kyle Busch continuing to raise the bar. Bill Elliott’s reputation still sets a high standard, and Chase is determined not to let the family name fade from the sport’s upper echelons.
What’s at Stake in 2026?
The 2026 NASCAR season promises intensity, unpredictability, and a renewed sense of opportunity for those with the skill to adapt. For Chase Elliott, the return of the Chase format presents not just a chance for career redemption but an opportunity to carve his own legacy alongside legends. Achieving what only Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch have done would place Elliott in one of the most exclusive clubs in motorsport, solidifying both his and Hendrick Motorsports’ place in the sport’s evolving history.
As the field prepares, all eyes will be on whether Elliott can deliver the speed, consistency, and strategic precision needed to capture the elusive double-format championship triumph. With support from influential figures like Jeff Gordon and his dedicated team, and the stakes of the Kyle Busch NASCAR record on the line, the journey ahead is set to thrill fans and redefine expectations in stock car racing.
Chase Elliott finds the lens through which his performance is viewed, compared to what he has felt and lived, interesting. In the context of the 2025 season, Elliott didn't think the team hit its peak performance until the last few weeks.
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— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) January 31, 2026
