Kevin Harvick, the ultimate NASCAR veteran has always been quite vocal about his predictions. Throughout the NASCAR Cup Series 2024, he brought forth various perspectives and most of the time they are based on detailed analysis of each driver. As the drivers have inched to the last step of the battle with only one more race left before Phoenix, Harvick brings forth a shocking verdict on Chase Elliott. 

Harvick shared brilliant insights into how Elliott has been showing changes in driving style now that people are talking more about “aggressive driving skills”. This has also brought forth predictions about possible showcases at the Martinsville Speedway. 

Will Chase Elliott carry on his streak of aggression?

Chase Elliott has been a showstopper for the entire NASCAR Cup Series 2024 and his splendid victory at Texas Motor Speedway secured his place at the Top 4. However, there was also a dip in his performance post the Atlanta Motor Speedway. The entire performance of the No. 9 Chevy driver has been quite splendid and he has accounted in the Top 5 for three times now. He also had a significant percentage of Top 10s, accounting for five times in this career. His performance this far has been quite potent to avoid elimination. 

However, recently the career trajectory of Elliott across Charlotte, Las Vegas, and Homestead Miami has been a bit different from his usual gentle driving. He showcased some aggression on the track, and that has turned quite a few eyes, along with that of Kevin Harvick. Starting from the 7th position, he slowly climbed up to the frontrunner position battling with NASCAR tycoons. He completed Stage 1 with a third place finish while Stage 2 ended with a 2nd position. Recounting his moves on the Speedway, Kevin Harvick said, “And you talk about that aggression that he had. I think he is getting tired about it. I truly think that Chase Elliott is getting tired of hearing about everybody else being aggressive and I think he’s just finally getting to that point where it’s like I am gonna show you, I am gonna push people round and I am gonna do”. At Homestead Miami, Elliott finished in the fifth position and consequently secured 49 points. However, he has still been unable to make it above the cutline. 

Coming to Martinsville, there are high chances that Elliott might be able to make it, given that it is a must-win scenario. At the Xfinity 500 in 2020, Chase Elliott had marked his victory at the Martinsville Speedway. This victory had put him as one of the contenders among the Top 4. Harvick further added that the current aggressive driving skills and close maneuvers by Elliott point out that he might be adopting an aggressive stance at Martinsville. 

He adds, “I mean the speed they have, they have showed couple flashes of speed and leading laps. And you talk about that aggression that he had. I think he is getting tired about it. I truly think that Chase Elliott is getting tired of hearing about everybody else being aggressive and I think he’s just finally getting to that point where it’s like I am gonna show you”. Chase Elliott also shared more about the aggressive strategy he might be adopting at Martinsville. He said, “Our point situation is what it is and we are in a must-win situation for the next two weeks. I would prefer just to be faster than everyone else, call a good race, execute a good day. That would be how I like to go about it”. Given that there is only one more chance at Martinsville and Elliot is still 43 points below the cutline, he has to secure the win at any cost. 

Denny Hamlin Talks About the Best Shot for Chase Elliott at Martinsville 

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While there has been a budding opinion among experts for how drivers should play at Martinsville, one driver who has been quite vocal is fellow competitor Denny Hamlin. In a recent episode of Actions Detrimental with Denny Hamlin, he mentioned his opinion about how Elliott might be fairing over the upcoming few weeks.

The Joe Gibbs driver mentioned that if Elliott puts up a fight for points only, that would be futile. Hamlin added, “He’s probably stronger at Martinsville than he is at Homestead. He’s going to try to win both, but I give his best shot to win at Martinsville.” It was Hamlin who overtook Elliott in the final few moments at Homestead.

Denny Hamlin will also be the one contesting with Elliott for a position in the Top 4. Winning at Martinsville would get him to the Phoenix Finale and finally get him closer to the NASCAR Cup Series 2024 victory. For both drivers, going to the next stage remains a top priority. Elliott has a promise made to the Hendrick Motorsports family about the team being in the finals. While the dream of seeing four Hendrick cars fight it out for the title broken, Elliott has a chance to bring another achievement on his belt. For Denny Hamlin, the stakes are much higher. He fights to compete for his first-ever Cup Series Championship. 

Do you think Chase Elliott will finally be able to put forth his best self and secure a top position to drive at Phoenix Speedway?