Is it too early to state that Chase Elliott’s performance is still underwhelming, even in 2024? While the points table might depict a rosy picture of the golden boy of NASCAR, the reality is far away from it. With six races over, Chase Elliott remains the only Hendrick Motorsports driver who is yet to notch a top-five finish, let alone a victory. With that said, no one can deny that Chase Elliott lacks precision or talent. And the latest stat shared by a NASCAR insider just goes on to prove that further. 

Although winless, Chase Elliott’s on-track precision remains impeccable

There is no denying that Chase Elliott has been struggling since the debut of the Next-Gen car. Even the #9 Chevrolet driver did not shy away from endorsing the fact. Appearing on an episode of the ‘Dale Jr. Download’ podcast, Elliott accepted that he had to step out of his comfort zone to gain control of the Next Gen car. Nevertheless, the driver is staying strong and striving to make a breakthrough and rise from his slump.

However, even with him struggling, we can hardly question Elliott’s skills as a racer. He is still one of the best drivers on the NASCAR grid. What makes it even more evident is that he is the only driver in the grid who has never been penalized for speeding in the pit road in the Next Gen era.

NASCAR journalist Seth Eggert, in a post on Twitter, stated, “Interesting stat on @chaseelliott that I stumbled on building another chart. Last time that he had a pit road speeding penalty per @racingreference was 2021, before the @NASCAR #NextGen car debuted. All other active FT #NASCAR Cup drivers have had at least 1 speeding penalty.”

The journalist also stated, “Another interesting stat that I found in this research for a new chart I’ve been working on, unless I missed one, @chaseelliott has NOT had a green flag pit road speeding penalty since @ATLMotorSpdwy, the 2nd @NASCAR Cup Series race of the 2017 season.”

Although Elliott may have saved himself from any pit-road theatrics, his normal outings on tracks are not void of additional drama and the race at COTA remains a testament to that.

The driver made an unintentional slip-up at the chicanes of the track that led to NASCAR dishing out a penalty to the driver. This, and a last-minute spin, resulted in Elliott being relegated back in the pack to finish 16th. Surprisingly, who came to Elliott’s defense and showed empathy was not even from the Hendrick Motorsports camp.

Shane van Gisbergen tries to defend Chase Elliott after COTA heartbreak

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Chase Elliott’s crew chief Alan Gustafson tried to appeal to NASCAR, wanting to get the penalty reversed, but the team’s efforts were in vain. While Elliott was left disheartened with the finish, Xfinity Series rookie Shane van Gisbergen voiced his thoughts on Elliott’s race and the 30-second penalty.

Talking to Corey LaJoie on his ‘Stacking Pennies’ podcast, SVG said, “You just need a bit more leeway, like the penalty didn’t really fit the crime. In Australia, we have this every year at Surface Paradise with the curbs there, and you get kind of three strikes, or you’re doing it every lap, you’ll get policed.”

“But the one I couldn’t understand was Chase Elliott got one. He had a monster moment, it was an awesome save. He lost time, probably scared himself, lost time in the next lap, taking it easy. It’s not advantage, but he gets a thirty-second penalty, so that’s a bit harsh for me,” van Gisbergen concluded. 

Read More: Chase Elliott Under Fire as His Entitled Career Sees Him Sway Away From Responsibilities to NASCAR

Nonetheless, despite all the hurdles, Chase Elliott is in desperate need of a victory, especially after the impeccable performance delivered by his HMS teammates. With the season really picking up pace, it is to be seen whether Elliott can break away from his winless streak.