Last season was a nightmare for Chase Elliott as he failed to make it to the playoffs. While the Hendrick Motorsports driver did well to turn around his form this season, he has just one to his name in the 2024 campaign. What’s most shocking is how Elliott hasn’t been able to race to his strengths. The fact that he has struggled to win at road courses has been appalling, to say the least.

At the same time, rookie driver Shane van Gisbergen has been in scintillating form this campaign. The New Zealander has been making a lot of noise with his performances in the Xfinity Series. In fact, it only makes one wonder if he has taken over from Elliott what’s supposed to be his prized crown in NASCAR.

Chase Elliott should be wary of the SVG threat following a dismal road-course run

From a dull performance in the 2023 campaign, Chase Elliott has bounced back amazingly this season. Not only has he been consistent but also stands just 10 points behind table leader and HMS teammate Kyle Larson. With four races left in the regular Cup Series season, Elliott possesses an amazing chance of repeating his 2022 feat.

While his chances are bright, there is one thing that must be bothering him and his camp. Elliott has somehow immensely struggled to win at road courses which was once considered his forte. In the 2024 campaign, the #9 driver’s only win has come at Texas Motor Speedway. While Elliott was expected to shine at Sonoma Raceway in June, he finished fourth with Larson taking the win.

It is amazing how the Georgia-born driver once dominated the road course setup. For four seasons from 2018 to 2021, Chase Elliott registered seven road-course wins, making him the road-course king. However, it hasn’t been the same since the Next-Gen car was introduced. While Elliott’s record isn’t bad, it isn’t up to the level that’s expected of him.

On the other hand, Shane van Gisbergen burst onto the scene last year with a Cup Series win in his debut race at the Chicago Street Course. The Kiwi driver has continued his good form in his first full-time season as well in the Xfinity Series arena. SVG has three wins to his name in the 2024 season. What’s more amazing is all these wins have come on road and street courses.

While executing plans on a road course isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, Shane van Gisbergen has done it exceptionally well. His temperament and consistency not only make him a delightful watch but also a strong contender on road courses. With SVG making such an impact, he certainly challenges Chase Elliott’s title of being the road course king.

Having said that, what can Elliott do to avoid that?

Chase Elliott should use Shane van Gisbergen’s threat as an inspiration

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There is no denying how talented Chase Elliott is on road courses. While his past performances speak volumes of his capabilities, the Hendrick Motorsports driver lacks the confidence right now. Even at Sonoma Raceway earlier this year, Elliott started P4 and his teammate Kyle Larson started P5. However, it was Larson who triumphed in the end.

The point here is, that Chase Elliott isn’t someone who lets slip his position on the track, especially if it’s a road course. That said, he isn’t that far away from a win. If anything, he should be using the threat from Shane van Gisbergen as a motivation to register a victory. Interestingly, SVG now has only one road course left including the playoff races.

At the same time, Chase Elliott has the chance to compete strongly at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Watkins Glen International. With a successful run in the playoffs. Elliott can target winning at least one of these two races to get back his form at road courses. While it is easier said than done, nothing is impossible for the 2020 Cup Series champion.

Watkins Glen has been a productive track for Elliott. With two victories, four top-five, and four top-10 finishes at The Glen, the HMS star should fancy his chances. Having said that, should Chase Elliott not win either of the two road course races, does Shane van Gisbergen get the road-course king title? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.