Chase Elliott Reveals Secret Rival No One Knew About and Who He Has Been Competing Since He Was a Kid

Chase Elliott’s 2023 season has been nothing short of a catastrophe. A year has passed since he last tasted victory, and this dry spell has led to the shocking outcome of the sport’s most beloved driver missing out on the playoffs. It’s safe to say that this is shaping up to be the worst season of Elliott’s career. However, past stats tell us not to count him out just yet as the 2023 postseason reveals a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for Rick Hendrick‘s star driver.

It appears that Elliott has shifted his focus squarely on the Cup track. He recently announced that he won’t be participating in the annual super late model racing spectacle. This decision hints at his determination to prioritize the Cup Series and avoid the intense competition that accompanies it.

Chasing competition and checkered flags

Elliott’s 2023 season has been a rollercoaster ride, and his recent decision not to participate in the iconic Snowball Derby has raised eyebrows in the racing world. Earlier in the season, Elliott surprised many by competing in a multitude of late-model car races, a departure from his usual focus on the Cup Series. In fact, he acknowledged, “I have run more [Super Late Model races] this year than I have in the past.” However, in a recent interview, Elliott candidly explained his decision to skip the Florida 0.5-mile track. He emphasized the intense competition that this prestigious race attracts and the challenges he would face.

When asked about the significance of winning the Snowball Derby again, given his intermittent presence in such races, Elliott contemplated, “That’s a good question because when we won the Snowball a couple of times that we did, we were very involved and racing all the time. Now that I have gone away from that world and I’ve gone back and run some races, it is a different vibe a little bit because you’re not there every week and it’s tough.”

The 2020 champ, doesn’t just chase victory; he thrives on competition as he passionately emphasized that for him, it’s not just about winning; it’s about being competitive at the highest level. He eloquently stated, “But just to be competitive when you show up — most of the races we ran this year (had) the guys who do the Snowball thing and are going to be the ones to beat there.”

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Elliott’s philosophy revolves around measuring success by his ability to contend with the best. He went on to say, “So the way I look at it is if we’re able to go to whatever races we pick and be competitive with those guys, that’s good with me. That’s meaningful for me, and I feel like we’ve accomplished something to go and race for wins with that crowd.”

Chase Elliott’s rise from grassroots to glory

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The 27-year-old’s prowess behind the wheel of a Super Late Model car is undeniable, at the tender age of 14, Elliott was already making waves, going head-to-head with seasoned veterans. His wins at renowned tracks like Hickory Motor Speedway and Lanier Raceplex,  as well as his first crown jewel victory in the grueling Winchester 400, paved the way for a promising career.

The California native went on to conquer the Snowflake 100 in the same year, and just a year later, Elliott added another feather to his cap, emerging as the Snowball Derby champion. Throughout the 2010s, Elliott continued to amass Super Late Model victories while simultaneously advancing through the ranks of NASCAR’s developmental ladder.

Overall his achievements boast two more wins in the Snowflake 100, a triumphant performance at the All-American 400 at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, and his second Snowball Derby victory in 2015. Even in recent times, the No. 9 maestro’s Super Late Model prowess remains intact, evidenced by his most recent stint that ended in an impressive second-place finish at the Battle at Berlin 250 2023.

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While the Snowball Derby comeback will have to wait another year to see Elliott hit the Five Flags Speedway asphalt, this weekend’s action awaits as the playoff round of 12 elimination takes center stage. All eyes now turn to the ROVAL to see if the No. 9 can end the winless streak and secure its place further in the owner’s standings.