Chase Elliott’s journey through the 2024 NASCAR season has been nothing short of a comeback story. After a rough 2023 that saw him miss races, miss the playoffs, and miss the mark on what fans have come to expect from one of NASCAR’s brightest stars, Elliott looks to have found his groove again this year. The No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports driver turned things around, but the big question was: how?

Well, it looks like we’ve finally got some insider scoop on what really sparked this dramatic resurgence. Alan Gustafson, Elliott’s longtime crew chief, recently opened up during a media event, sharing some behind-the-scenes insights on what made all the difference for their team this year. And let’s just say, it’s not as simple as flipping a switch.

Chase’s crew chief spills the secret sauce

Last year was brutal for Elliott — from a freak snowboarding accident that broke his leg and sidelined him for six races, to a one-race suspension for rough driving that cost him even more track time.

Missing multiple races meant missing out on crucial points, and when NASCAR’s playoff format heavily rewards consistency, Elliott was left playing catch-up. Even after he was back behind the wheel, things just didn’t click. There were flashes of brilliance — like near-misses at the Coca-Cola 600 and strong runs on road courses — but those were few and far between. By the time the playoffs rolled around, it was too late. Elliott’s only shot at making the postseason was a must-win scenario at Daytona. But even then, fate wasn’t on his side, as a late-race crash dashed any hopes of sneaking into the playoffs.

Elliott’s crew chief wasn’t interested in holding onto the past, especially considering the circumstances his driver and team had to battle through last season. “You don’t want to beat a dead horse, right?” Gustafson said. “How much are you going to whip? I’m not going to whip Chase or whip the guys when the deck’s been pretty hard, pretty stacked against you.”

But what changed in 2024? If you were wondering if there was some magic trick to Elliott’s improved performance, think again. According to Gustafson, it was all about rebuilding confidence and the turnaround came down to good old-fashioned hard work and focus. Reflecting on the previous season, he said, “It’s always the same things. It’s hard work and effort and focus.” But coming off a disappointing 2023, Gustafson knew it wasn’t going to be easy.

Gustafson emphasized the importance of the build-up to the season in mentally preparing yourself. It wasn’t just about getting back on track physically, but also mentally. “But to generate that, what you kind of see from Chase, I think is pretty natural through the progression of performance and the work that we’ve put in together, and that generates optimism and then generates some positive energy and knowing that you’re prepared to go out there and compete at a super-high level and win races.”

Having a good environment around you before the season is so crucial for a driver coming off an injury-ridden season, trying to perform, and that was the difference maker for Chase Elliott, according to Gustafson, who added, “So that’s what I think the difference is. It’s just a little easier or more fruitful to turn the screws or however you want to say it, when the build-up to it’s been much better.”

So, how did the ‘positive energy’ work out for team 9 in the 2024 season?

Grading the comeback: Elliott’s honest assessment

Trending

Despite 2023 Disaster, Chase Elliott Risks Angering Rick Hendrick by Choosing Alex Bowman’s HMS Banned Tactic

“To the Death”: Kyle Busch Offers Martin Truex Jr. a Rare Alliance to Survive ‘Hunger Games of NASCAR’

Kurt Busch Finally Breaking Radio Silence After Criminal Charges Forced 3-Month-Long Hiatus Has NASCAR Fans Breathing Easy

NASCAR Rumor: Handed $25,000 Fine, Xfinity Star Could Replace Chevy’s Rejected Prodigy

For Chase Elliott, this season was all about redemption, and he didn’t shy away from evaluating his own performance. When asked to grade his 2024 season, he gave himself “probably a B, B-plus,” emphasizing that he was trying to be as honest as possible. And honestly, that’s a fair grade for someone who went from missing the playoffs to finishing seventh in the overall standings.

Elliott didn’t just scrape his way back into relevance; he came roaring back with a statement win at Texas Motor Speedway in April, snapping a 42-race winless streak. That victory was crucial — not just for securing his spot in the playoffs, but for giving the entire team a much-needed confidence boost. From there, Elliott hit a groove, notching seven top-10 finishes in the 10-race playoff stretch and leading laps in key races.

His performance in the playoffs was particularly encouraging, even though he fell short of making the Championship 4 — something he did for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022. Wrapping up the season with a solid run at Phoenix, where he finished eighth, was the cherry on top of a much-improved campaign.

So instead of letting the disappointments of 2023 weigh him down, Elliott used them as fuel for his 2024 comeback. He came back focused, determined, and ready to remind everyone why he’s a former Cup Series champion.

“2023 was tough,” Elliott admitted, “but we came back stronger.” The difference this season was palpable, not just in his results but in his attitude. He wasn’t just racing to survive; he was racing to win. “I think we’re in a good place,” he said, looking back at the season. “There’s still more potential to unlock.”

So, what’s next for Chase Elliott? If his 2024 season is any indication, it’s safe to say he’s just getting started. He’s already got his eyes set on 2025, and with the momentum he’s built this year, don’t be surprised if you see him back in the Championship 4 next season.

For now, though, let’s just appreciate the comeback story that was Chase Elliott’s 2024. It’s a reminder that in racing, as in life, it’s not about how hard you fall but how you get back up. And Chase Elliott? He’s back on his feet, ready to take on whatever comes next.