After a rollercoaster NASCAR season in 2024, Chase Elliott is wasting no time revving up for 2025. The 2020 Cup Series champion made his on-track comeback with the SpeedFest Super Late Model event. This annual winter event at Cordele Motor Speedway marks Elliott’s first appearance in grassroots competition since 2023. Seven-time NASCAR Most Popular Driver award winner has been phenomenal at his home track.

Recently, Elliott spoke about his grassroots journey. In a candid interview with NASCAR driver David Ragan, he gave fans a rare glimpse into the motivations fuelling his return to Late Model racing.

Chase Elliott reflects on his grassroots career

After two years of hiatus, Hendrick Motorsport driver Chase Elliott made his Super Late Model return at his home track in Georgia. While grassroots racing has always been a cornerstone of Elliott’s career, he recently shed light on why he prioritizes competing in Late Model events despite his demanding NASCAR schedule.

In a candid conversation with Ragan, Elliott says, “I do, and I think that there, you know, are some similarities. Today with this new car or not-so-new car on the cup side, you know, straight rail late-model cars like we’ve always run more than it’s ever been. I fight some of the same things on Sunday as I do when we go and run you know, run these races. So, for that reason alone, I think it’s worth the time.”

During the off-season, NASCAR drivers have no chance of running the car on the track, since the rules don’t allow them to do so. This leaves them very few options to stay in touch with racing. Although the racing simulator at each team’s HQ does provide a chance, it’s not the same as being in an actual car. That’s where late-model racing comes in for Elliott. It’s not just about getting back in the car. While it does allow him to get a feel for racing once again after taking a break, competing drivers are some of the most skilled in NASCAR. Although they don’t compete at the top level of the sport, it’s where most Cup Series drivers make their start, and it’s why the quality of racing remains parallel to the Cup Series. Hence, it’s no surprise another Cup Series driver, Ross Chastain, is also competing at the event.

However, Elliott didn’t shy away from acknowledging the difficulties of competing at this level, adding, “It’s not always fun for sure. You know it’s never fun when you’re not doing super well in any arena, but I enjoy the process. I enjoy the competition.” Elliott’s statement was reflected in his latest performance also, as his comeback was not so easy.

After an 18th-place finish in qualifying, Elliott fought his way back to secure a top-five finish in the main event. Notably, Bubba Pollard stole the show with a historic fourth consecutive SpeedFest victory. Pollard took the lead with 12 laps to go, passing Cole Butcher in an exciting late-race battle. NASCAR driver Ross Chastain started on the pole after a redraw but finished in 12th place.

Notably, Chase Elliott’s journey in Super Late Model racing has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting at a young age, Elliott quickly made a name for himself by dominating grassroots events across the country. In 2011 SpeedFest Elliott became the youngest race winner in the event’s history at the tender age of 15. Since then, Elliott has gone on to win the prestigious competition three times.

Elliott’s new paint scheme for 2025!

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Chase Elliott’s return to grassroots racing isn’t the only change on the horizon. The Hendrick Motorsports driver is set to get a fresh look for his No. 9 NAPA Chevrolet in the 2025 NASCAR season. This comes after the announcement of Amazon Prime Video as a new sponsor for Elliott’s team through 2027.

The No. 9 Prime Video Chevrolet will debut in three primary races in 2025, including the iconic Coca-Cola 600. The updated paint scheme features thinner yellow stripes and a brighter, more vibrant blue base. Notably, the yellow outlines have replaced the bold white elements. This change aligns with a broader effort to rejuvenate the No. 9 team’s brand.

After ending his 42-race-long winless streak in 2024, Chase Elliott is optimistic about continuing the No.9 team’s dominance. Speaking about the change, Elliott says, “It’s great to see Prime Video come into NASCAR and now join us at Hendrick Motorsports and the No. 9 team. They’re leaders in entertainment and technology, and I think that’s a perfect fit on a lot of levels. Seeing a fresh perspective on our sport is cool, and I’m happy to be a part of the effort and have their support.” As Elliott looks to make a comeback in the upcoming season what do you think about his new paint scheme?