“I’ve Not Done a Great Job” – Chase Elliott Admits to his Mistakes in 2023 Heading to Daytona 500

Chase Elliott must be feeling incredibly relieved to finally put the 2023 season behind him. This was arguably his worst-ever full-time NASCAR Cup season to date. The #9 driver knows it and has been kicking himself ever since. This was because it cost him dearly and he failed to reach the Playoffs for the first time in his career. Ahead of the 2024 season, Elliott will be keen to redeem himself, and what better way to do it than by winning the Daytona 500?

Already, his season has not got off to a good start, finishing all the way down in 22nd place at the LA Coliseum. This was after he qualified in 14th place and slipped further down the order. On the bright side, he has qualified 3rd for the first Bluegreen Vacations Duel at Daytona. Whether that will improve his chances of winning the Daytona 500, is anyone’s guess, but it does put him in a good spot.

Chase Elliott acknowledged his mistakes in 2023

Speaking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, he said, “I told people this, all the time, I don’t feel like I have done a great job driving this car at a lot of tracks the way it wants to be driven and that’s not Alan’s fault. Tried to tell people that, no one listens, right? I’ve been saying that for a long time. I love AG (Alan Gustafson). Years like last year are years that can absolutely blow up a team from the inside out. Super proud that our friendship is as good as its ever been. Our will and desire of where we want to go and run well, is as high as its ever been.”

He also insisted that he and Hendrick Motorsports will continue to push and not give up. According to Elliott, it is easy to enjoy the good times with the team, but the bad times are the true test for anyone. It would not be right to abandon ship at the first sign of trouble. So when they claw their way back to the top from rock bottom, it will make things all the more satisfying.

Elliott not the only HMS driver looking for redemption

Of course, Chase Elliott was not the only HMS driver with a miserable 2023. Last year, Hendrick Motorsports were only at half strength, with Kyle Larson and William Byron carrying the team. Elliott was hampered with an injury that put him out of action for a while, and he didn’t capitalise on the remaining races. Aside from him, Alex Bowman also had to sit out injured, and that put ruined his playoff hopes.

READ MORE: Rick Hendrick Believes his Unawareness of Chase Elliott’s Personal Life is Key for his Return to the Top

This time around, HMS will want to go all guns blazing and firing on all cylinders. Hendrick Motorsports is arguably the strongest team in NASCAR. Is high time that all four drivers proved it. Who knows, maybe Chase Elliott or Kyle Larson will add a second Cup title, or Alex Bowman or William Byron  might win their first title.

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