In a dramatic turn of events at the regular Cup Series season finale, the roar of engines was matched only by the shattered hopes of fans. Buescher’s unexpected triumph not only solidified his status as a championship contender but also dashed the dreams of the beloved Chase Elliott, leaving a trail of disappointment in his wake.

The night that was supposed to be Elliott’s resurgence ended up being the climax of a challenging season, casting doubts over NASCAR’s playoff viewership. As the checkered flag fell, so did the curtain on Chase Elliott’s playoff aspirations. The fan-favorite driver had been battling adversity for months, battling injuries and controversies that tested his mettle on and off the track.

The Resurgence That Wasn’t: Elliott’s Challenging Season and Playoff Dreams

Amid the chaos, Chase Elliott fought bravely, even leading two laps early on, teasing a possible comeback narrative. Yet, as the laps dwindled and tensions escalated, the dynamics on the track shifted, revealing a delicate dance of teamwork and individual ambition. The Hendrick Motorsports driver’s words during the post-race interview provided a glimpse into the complex orchestration behind the wheel.

“I really liked where we were before the caution. And honestly, after the restart there, we had the bottom lane that we wanted. I knew the 6 was going to go with the 17, and I thought the 4 was going to take the bottom, and they did, and we really had all the help that we could ask for behind.” 

“I just couldn’t stay locked on the Kevin like I needed to surge the bottom lane forward, and Brad and Christopher there just had a good enough hold on that top lane, and they could kind of control each of them. But yeah, it’s a bummer for sure. Hate the seasons worked out like it has, but the good news is the car got in in the owners’ points.” Chase stated.

“So that’s a big deal, and credit to Allen and everybody for continuing to work. And Scratch and Claw, while I was out, to keep our team alive and to give ourselves a chance. So that’s a big deal, probably much bigger than a lot of people realize to our team.” 

“So looking forward to these next 10 and try to make a little noise on that side of things and just try to get ready and prepared for next year. But I appreciate everybody’s support through this season. It hasn’t been what I would want by any means, but certainly going to be some lessons taken from it, and I think it will be better for it on the other end.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Chase Elliott’s Aggressive Mindset Hours Before the Highly Speculated Run Warns the Whole NASCAR Grid

Six races were missed due to a snowboarding mishap and a suspension for a contentious wreck, with Denny Hamlin leaving Elliott clawing his way back into contention. The narrative seemed poised for a triumphant return, a Cinderella story of determination, but the fairy tale ending slipped through his grasp.

But another debate is brewing during this loss. Chase Elliott’s future absence raises intriguing questions about its potential impact on NASCAR’s viewership.

Absence and Impact: The Intriguing Questions Surrounding Chase Elliott

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Chase Elliott, often touted as the sport’s most popular driver, commands a significant chunk of the fanbase. His recent absence had left a noticeable void in recent races, prompting discussions about the potential drop in viewership. Kevin Harvick had offered candid insights into Elliott’s influence.

Harvick acknowledged that Elliott’s presence translates to higher TV ratings. He stressed the broader significance of Elliott’s role in the sport’s landscape, emphasizing that his return isn’t just about individual preferences but contributes to the bigger picture of NASCAR racing.

Fans recently took to Twitter to add their own perspective on this matter:

“The NASCAR playoffs will now suffer a 70% loss in viewership because Chase Elliott didn’t win at Daytona,” one fan wrote. 

Another added, “Honestly, it may seem crazy to think about, but NASCAR and NBC both know without Chase in the playoffs, viewership will be trashed. Would not be surprised if Jeff Gordon rules kick in again. Lol”

“Viewership for the NASCAR playoffs is going to be LOW😂,” the third one chimed in. 

Someone posted, “@NASCAR, there goes your viewership until next year. For example, NASCAR TV viewership is down almost 1/3 from 2012 to 2022.”

READ MORE: NASCAR Insider Reveals Rick Hendrick’s “Scheme” With Chase Elliott

While speculation is rife, the impact of Elliott’s return on viewership remains a mystery until official numbers are revealed. The anticipation surrounding this revelation adds an element of suspense to the equation, heightening interest as fans await the verdict on whether his return genuinely altered the viewership landscape.

As the dust settles and the NASCAR community looks ahead to the playoffs, the curtain closes on this chapter of Chase Elliott’s journey. With every lap, the suspense builds—will his absence spark a drop in viewership?