Chase Elliott is in the toughest position in the playoffs, as he is 8th in the standings and about to get eliminated. The only hope he has is to win the Martinsville race and make it into the finals. Although that seems like a difficult task, it’s exactly what Joey Logano and Tyler Reddick did to secure their spot in the finals.

As of now, there are 3 Hendrick Motorsports drivers that are fighting each other for the remaining 2 seats and, besides HMS, the other teams are not going easy either. While Elliott is sitting in the pressure cooker of the playoffs, he doesn’t seem bothered by the upcoming races. He has already attained the Cup Series title, and he shared how his personality has been ever since his triumph in 2020.

Chase Elliott is still the same man he was all along

Chase Elliott has never been one to put on a front, and when asked if his NASCAR championship has changed his outlook or personality, he doesn’t even hesitate to answer. To him, accolades like winning a title don’t suddenly redefine who you are or shift the essence of your character.

“I don’t know that it has really changed me, personally or as a driver,” Elliott shared in an interview with Fox Sports. He sees growth as more of a gradual thing—something shaped by age, experience, and simply spending time in the sport rather than anyone winning a trophy along the way. He believes that “those things just happen over time, whether it be with age or experience — and time being in the sport probably more than any one particular accolade.” 

Right now, Chase Elliott is in a position that would have many drivers biting their nails. He’s in the top 8 for the playoffs, and the pressure is at an all-time high. There’s only one race left before the finals, and with him sitting at the bottom of the playoff standings, anything short of a win at Martinsville will end his shot at a second championship.

For Chase, the excitement of going into Martinsville isn’t just about playoff survival. It’s a chance to race on his terms. He’s ready to compete with everything he’s got without letting the standings dictate his drive. It’s this kind of focus that resonates with his fans. They’re used to his calm and steady approach, especially when the heat is on, and this moment is no different. Win or lose, Elliott’s aim is clear: he wants to give it his best, race hard, and stay true to the steady perspective he’s always valued.

Elliott’s cool-headed approach is refreshing in a sport where high stakes often spark drama from fans and critics. Whether he clinches a win at Martinsville or not, Chase Elliott seems set on keeping his eyes forward and his head level. Championships and accolades may be part of the journey. However, for him, they don’t change the person he’s become.

Will Chase Elliott make it into the finals?

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Chase Elliott faces a high-stakes showdown at Martinsville, and it’s not just about making it through the playoffs this time. Despite a strong run at Homestead, where he led 81 laps and landed a fifth-place finish, he still sits at the bottom of the standings with a daunting 43-point gap to overcome. The No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports driver’s only realistic shot at advancing to the Championship 4 is a victory at Martinsville. It’s a track where he won only once in 18 tries. Elliott’s fans know he thrives under pressure—just like in 2020 when he won here to keep his title hopes alive.

For NASCAR fans, Elliott’s current situation feels like déjà vu. The last time he was in a must-win situation here, he seized victory and carried that momentum straight to his first Cup Series championship. While the odds may not be in Elliott’s favor, his tenacity and Martinsville’s unpredictability make him hard to count out.

A win would be a storybook moment, a repeat of the underdog path to victory that defined his 2020 season. But in NASCAR, anything can happen—and if anyone can defy the odds under immense pressure, it’s Chase Elliott.

With that said, do you think that Chase Elliott will pull off a miracle at Martinsville? Share your thoughts in the comments below.