Chase Elliott, recognized for his prowess on road courses in the NASCAR Cup Series, experienced a significant challenge at the Circuit of the Americas, resulting in an unexpected Chase Elliott COTA setback. During Sunday’s race, Elliott’s performance was impacted by a lengthy pit stop that dramatically shifted his position in the pack.
Pit Stop Trouble Puts Elliott Far Behind
Despite being known as one of the most consistent road course racers and having a solid overall skillset, Elliott encountered problems as the first stage drew to a close. A notably extended pit stop caused him to fall back considerably in the standings, leaving fans puzzled as they watched him slip from his usual competitive placement to running at the rear of the field.
Addressing his difficulties during the race, Elliott said on his radio,
“The more I tried to be smooth with it, the worse I was,”
—Chase Elliott, Driver. This comment came before his pit crew completed the stop that ultimately left him returning to the track in 36th place.
Setback in Comparison to the Field
Elliott’s setback could have been worse, as fellow Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski emerged onto the track trailing Elliott by an additional nine seconds. Despite this, Elliott faced a tough road ahead if he hoped to regain lost ground, especially if his car continued to perform below expectations.
The Broader Impact
While Elliott is accustomed to competing among the front-runners in both road and non-road events, this uncharacteristic day could have implications for his momentum in future races. As the Cup Series heads further into the season and competitors like Shane van Gisbergen draw attention as road course experts, overcoming such issues will be critical for Elliott to maintain his reputation and competitiveness. All eyes will be on whether Elliott and his team can address these challenges and bounce back in upcoming events.
"The more I tried to be smooth with it, the worse I was," Chase Elliott says.
The 9-team went for a lengthy stop and fix.
— Alan Cavanna (@AlanCavanna) March 1, 2026
