Chase Elliott has had a topsy-turvy season so far. He has missed a total of seven races due to injury and a suspension. However, he still remains the most popular driver on the grid, owing to which, he also brings in many fans. His performance at Sonoma was one of the better results that the Hendrick Motorsports ace has produced.

Sonoma had everyone wondering again if Elliott could run it back and win the whole thing. Although an undoubtedly daunting task, with Martin Truex Jr‘s Toyota proving much too fast for the Chevies, the race’s final quarter was a bitter pill to take. Eventually, Truex Jr carried on his brilliant run to take the top position. En route, he overtook Elliott, who led the race for a mere two laps, without much effort.

I’m all in: Chase Elliott prepares himself mentally as the playoff race begins

The 2020 Cup champion will find it challenging in the grid as drivers prepare to buckle up for playoff qualifications. With 16 races completed, fans have already seen 10 different winners. This makes the window to qualify smaller, although not impossible. Speaking to eminent journalist Bob Pockrass, Elliott talked about many things, including the run-up to the playoffs. With only six spots left for the taking, Elliott understands the gravity of the situation. But he has not backed out from enjoying the challenge either.

” I’m all-in on trying to win.”

“That’s kind of our only way in now—and it was probably our only way in before, too. That’s been my mindset since I got back from my injury, so honestly not really a lot changes from that standpoint,” said Elliott brushing off any self-doubts he might be having after his comeback.

Read More: Kyle Larson Called Out for His “Salty” Kyle Busch-Like Behavior After Sonoma Choke

With NASCAR dishing out penalties and suspensions at a fairly higher rate this year, Chase’s work gets cut short by a bit. Having been a recent victim of a suspension himself, he will be looking to avoid another miss at scoring points this season.

Elliott says he is very much up for the challenge

The #9 Camaro driver has been having a season he is not used to. Marred by injuries, suspensions, and controversy, Elliott has led only 40 laps this season. Already having missed seven races this season, he is looking to get a chance into the playoffs although not without some struggle. Calling the situation a healthy competition, he said, “I think it’s very feasible and kind of fun at the same time, I’m kind of looking forward to the challenge. I’m just trying to make some gains.

“I thought we were starting to piece together some momentum in a couple of different areas—maybe not necessarily showing up in the grand scheme of things, but I was encouraged by some of the things that we were doing.” 

Chase currently sits at 27th in the regular point standings. On the playoff cutoff spot remains teammate Alex Bowman who is 84 points ahead of the 2020 champion. Bowman has also had injury woes this season missing three races himself. Teammates William Byron and Kyle Larson have already sealed their place in the playoffs with wins and things are looking to stabilize for Hendrick Motorsports.

Watch This Story: Bubba Wallace’s insider tears apart Chase Elliott’s retaliation with HMS star’s unfamiliar example