![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1263472543.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
LOUDON, NEW HAMPSHIRE – AUGUST 02: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, exits his car after the NASCAR Cup Series Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1263472543.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
LOUDON, NEW HAMPSHIRE – AUGUST 02: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, exits his car after the NASCAR Cup Series Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
The anticipation surrounding Chase Elliott’s chances of securing a win before the end of the regular season has been a hot topic of discussion in the NASCAR community. Now, NASCAR insider Jessie Punch recently shed light on Chase Elliott’s chances of making it into the playoffs. While Punch expressed confidence in Elliott’s abilities, she also highlighted the unexpected impact of recent weeks on his season.
With the anticipation building around Chase Elliott’s performance in the current Cup season, fans are eager to see if he can have a go at the 2023’s title. As a guest on the Rubbin Is Racing show, Jessie Punch shared her thoughts on the matter, providing insights into Elliott’s current situation.
The Impact of Week Offs on Chase Elliott’s Season as a Whole
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Poll of the day
Kyle Larson & HMS Are Planning to Return to Indy 500 Next Year. But Should They?
Yes! It Is Great for NASCAR
No, It Was a Disaster This Time
When questioned by Large about Elliott’s likelihood of securing a win before the regular season ends, Punch displayed optimism. However, when pressed further about the timing of this potential victory, she admitted uncertainty due to the unexpected impact of the week offs, due to injury and his suspension. Punch predicted that the time away from racing may have had a more significant effect on Elliott’s season than anticipated by many.
“Chase Elliott Yes!, I do think he will get a win by the end of the season. But by the end of the regular season…. I don’t know. I have to look at the schedule and get those couple of weeks off man. They really be more of a hit on his season than a lot of us anticipated,” Punch explained.
These comments imply that Elliott’s recent time off may have disrupted his momentum and contributed to his playoff struggles.
In another twist, it was revealed that Jeff Gordon, a top executive at Hendrick Motorsports (HMS), addressed the issue of special treatment for Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman within the organization. As HMS boasts successful drivers like William Byron and Kyle Larson, the focus on Elliott and Bowman becomes a matter of consideration.
Hendrick Motorsports’ Approach May Cause Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman Their Playoff Berth
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Kyle Busch’s Wife Samantha Surprisingly Embracing Indian Culture Has Fans Going Gaga Over Fashionista Status
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1240218799.jpg?width=300)
NASCAR Rumor: Courtesy of a $38.76B Sponsor, Tony Stewart’s Dark Horse Secures a Seat With Brad Keselowski at RFK Racing
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-627072846-1.jpg?width=300)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Enraged at Bubba Wallace After He Shot Himself in the Foot, Leaving Michael Jordan in Agony
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-design-91-21.jpg?width=300)
NASCAR Fans Urge Kyle Busch for a U-Turn Amid Rumors of Rick Hendrick’s Underachiever’s Exit
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Rick-Hendrick-and-Kyle-Busch-1.jpg?width=300)
Despite Alex Bowman’s Confidence, $12.67 Billion Sponsor Could Leave Him Hanging Out of HMS if the Tides Don’t Turn
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-03-12T201334Z_1117556456_MT1USATODAY17881011_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-RUOFF-MORTGAGE-500-PRACTICE-QUALIFYING.jpg?width=300)
Jeff Gordon emphasized that HMS is not yet at a point where special treatment is necessary for Elliott and Bowman. The organization’s current focus is on putting fast race cars on the track and achieving overall success as a team. Gordon stated that while discussions among crew chiefs may occur to support Elliott and Bowman, no formal meetings have taken place regarding specific strategies to prioritize their playoff chances.
“There’s not big conversations yet where we start going, ‘Okay guys, now we’ve got to start helping out the #48 or the #9, we’ve got to get them into the playoffs,'” Gordon clarified talking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. He acknowledged that HMS might be only a few races away from having those conversations, but for now, their emphasis remains on teamwork and providing equal opportunities for all drivers.
With two drivers currently below the cutline, will attention and resources get shifted to the No. 9 and No. 48 teams for the final seven races of the regular season?
❌ @JeffGordonWeb says not yet.
More from @TeamHendrick’s Vice Chairman on #TMDNASCAR → https://t.co/qesEcbI9Hq pic.twitter.com/7hiHtAHd1E
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) July 13, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: This Surprising Contender Could Potentially Replace Aric Almirola in Tony Stewart’s Team