Veteran Insider Issues Harsh Verdict on Chase Elliott’s Unending Playoff Misery: “Falls Off Like a Rock”

NASCAR’s golden boy, Chase Elliott, has had a rollercoaster of a 2023 season. From a skateboard tumble to standing on the verge of the heartbreak of possibly missing out on the championship 4 for the owner’s title, sadly, victory has eluded him throughout the year.

And while he is still left with one chance to revive himself, a NASCAR insider recently, while spilling some tea about Chase Elliott’s 2023 Cup Series season, stated something that does not resonate with his on-track stats. So, for those rooting for Elliott at Martinsville? They probably need to brace themselves because the forecast doesn’t look too sunny for Team Elliott.

NASCAR Insider summarizes Chase Elliott’s 2023 owner’s championship journey

While racers like Bubba Wallace are cruising in a different lane, focusing on racking up points since they’re out of the playoff scene, Elliott has his eyes on the Owner’s Championship trophy. But, oh boy, that dream is now hanging by a thread. After a not-so-glamorous 32nd finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and a modest 15th at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the No. 9 team’s scoreboard shows a mere 27 points. This has thrown a wrench in their championship plans. Now, Martinsville Speedway’s Round of 8 finale is a do-or-die race for them, with a daunting 77 points separating them from the playoff threshold.

In the flashy NextGen car era, Elliott, the star driver for Hendrick Motorsports, peaked at second place in April 2022. Interestingly, the No. 9 team held the 10th spot in three consecutive races, even though they led several laps and clinched some stages. For Elliott to steer the No. 9 team to a 2023 championship, he needs a Hail Mary: a win at Martinsville. Anything less won’t cut it.

However, Kyle Petty, the ex-NASCAR ace, who is skeptical about Elliott’s chances this year, especially under such pressure, gave his verdict- “I think Chase Elliott has the best chance to win at Martinsville next year. I think that’s the kind of way I look at it. I am sorry. This year has been an abysmal year for Chase Elliott. My gosh, man! He’s falling like a rock in the owner’s playoff. Just put him in a playoff situation, and he falls off like a rock. I don’t really see, as I look around, I like to think that Joey Logano could go there; it’s been a good place for him. He’s not running that way lately. […] You just don’t have that intensity when you are not in the playoffs.”

So, while the NASCAR grapevine seems to be buzzing with doubts about Elliott’s win, could the stats be hinting at a different story?

Watch This Story: Chase Elliot’s Struggle and Fight for Redemption

Dive into the stats, and the Martinsville prospects of Chase Elliott paint an intriguing picture

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Having missed seven races—six due to a fractured left tibia and one thanks to an on-track tiff with Denny Hamlin during May’s Coca-Cola 600—Elliott’s journey through the regular season has been less about roaring and more about rebuilding.

A major hiccup for Elliott? Track position. With an average start of 17.3, it’s a career low, falling behind by a staggering six positions compared to his 11.3 in 2016. And unless there’s a twist in the tale, his 112 laps led will be another unwanted record.

But here’s where things get interesting: Martinsville has been kind to Elliott. With an impressive average of 13.0 across 16 races, one victory, five top-5 finishes, and 10 top-10 placements, he’s shown he’s got the mettle. In fact, only once, back in 2019, did he miss the top-10. So, are you writing him off now? That might be a tad premature.

Read More: Chase Elliott Left With Only One Improbable Resort To Save His Owners Championship Hopes After Unfavorable Homestead Outing

While an extended pit stop during the season might leave some drivers deflated, Elliott exudes hope for a roaring comeback in 2024. Yet, when you compare the performance of the Nos. 9 and 48 to their title-chasing counterparts, it’s evident there’s a vast gap from two years ago, during the era of the Gen-6 chassis.