Veteran Insider Issues Harsh Verdict on Chase Elliott’s Unending Playoff Misery

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

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.”