Chase Elliott Labeled as a “Mid-Pack” Driver as Former NBA Legend Puts Lack of Effort in the Spotlight

What has been going on with Chase Elliott? The regular season saw him have a quiet run by his lofty standards. He scored no less than seven top-five finishes but failed to take even one win. Clearly, he was playing catchup after the early season leg injury from snowboarding.

Missing out on a playoff berth might have been considered a blip in form. Or perhaps, the calm before a storm. However, of late, top-fives have proved elusive as well for the 27-year-old Hendrick Motorsports ace. Now, there is no escaping criticism. One particular NBA icon and NASCAR team owner did not hold back the punches.

JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner gives scathing verdict on Chase Elliott

Brad Daugherty is well aware of what it takes to win in NASCAR. His team’s victory in this year’s Daytona 500 is just one example. The 58-year-old former Cleveland Cavaliers center was in his analyst avatar on NBC lately. He responded to Chase Elliott’s disappointing season in plain terms.

“He’s just kind of been mid-pack everywhere we go,” Daugherty asserted. Elliott placing a meager 32nd and 15th in the last two races, respectively, would support this assessment. The next event in Martinsville could bring back happy memories. He won there on his way to the Cup Series title in 2020. However, Brad Daugherty is not too hopeful.

Watch this Story: Chase Elliott’s Struggle and Fight for Redemption

Daugherty continued, “He’s been great at Martinsville but I don’t know who’s going to show up…I would be surprised if he has a dominating day there.” But why has Chase Elliott found it so tough this year? The basketball legend-turned-NASCAR pundit had a pretty simple reason for this.

Brad Daugherty questions #9 HMS driver’s hunger for success

Chase Elliott’s recent struggles could be down to his internal motivation; a lack of it rather. This is what Brad Daugherty feels. He said on the show, “He just doesn’t seem to have the fire and the desire that we’ve seen out of him to go to these racetracks and try to dominate.” Still, this remark was not nearly as critical as his final verdict.

The JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner encapsulated by pointing at a fresh start for Elliott and HMS come the next season. He declared, “I think the season’s over for Chase Elliott and I think they’ve kind of packed up and moved on.” It was pretty evident that Brad Daugherty won’t be placing any bets on the driver any time soon.

There is little time left in the post-season for Chase Elliott to make a significant impact. But it could still ignite a spark that serves him well for 2024. Can he regain his inner mojo? The racing community will be anxious to know the answer at Martinsville and Phoenix.

Read More: “Haven’t Heard From Him” – Chase Elliott’s Own Teammate Snubs His Importance at HMS Amid Playoff Failure