The 2024 NASCAR Cup season is slowly shaping up, and Hendrick Motorsports has the next puzzle piece. All four drivers were already confirmed, but there is a bit of musical chairs, in terms of personnel. The latest reports see Chase Elliott get a new spotter in the form of Trey Poole, for the upcoming campaign. This is significant because the two have worked together in the past and have meshed well.

To make matters even better, there is a personal connection since Poole is Elliott’s cousin. He also has Cup Series experience, having linked up with Elliott a few times for road courses and other odd races. However, the 2024 campaign will be the first time that the duo will be partnered on a full-time basis at Hendrick Motorsports.

Chase Elliott needs to have a good 2024 season

Let’s face it, Elliott had a nightmare 2023 campaign, and it was partly his own fault. The #9 driver failed to make the Playoffs for the first time in his career and slumped to his worst finish. He missed a handful of races due to injury and a suspension and didn’t reach Victory Lane even once. So 2024 should be a year of redemption for him, and Poole will be right by his side.

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Back in 2023, Elliott injured himself in a snowboarding accident. This put him out of action for six races on the trot, and it proved very costly. When he returned, desperation set in, and it clearly showed in the form of aggressive driving. Sadly, Denny Hamlin paid the price and officials were none too pleased with the antics. So he was slapped with a one-race suspension and lost another chance to reach the Playoffs. Despite his best efforts, he failed and bowed out of the Playoffs, along with teammate Alex Bowman.

Can the #9 driver do it this time around?

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Truthfully, if he can keep out of trouble away from the track, he will have more races to try and snatch wins. After all, 2023 must have been an anomaly, and he will be right up there alongside his teammates. With Trey Poole in his corner, Elliott will be hoping to clinch a second Cup Series title or at least be in the running for it. After all, Hendrick Motorsports has a reputation for being one of the best teams in NASCAR.

Of course, Kyle Larson is always a front-runner, and William Byron will be keen to carry on his good form. Another driver who is eager for redemption is Alex Bowman, who also picked up an injury in 2023. Like Elliott, he too missed out on a Playoff berth, and has since been debating on participating in extra-curricular activities.

WATCH THIS STORY: Chase Elliott’s Season: A ‘What If’ Scenario