Chase Elliott’s Year Without a NASCAR Cup Series Win: A Closer Look
As the calendar moves forward, it’s been over a year since Chase Elliott, the celebrated driver of the No. 9 car for Hendrick Motorsports, last tasted victory in a NASCAR Cup Series points-paying race. The date to remember is April 24, 2024, when Elliott celebrated a victory at Texas Motor Speedway, a track that now symbolizes both hope and reflection for him as he prepares to race there again.
Elliott’s response when asked about the long gap since his last win was straightforward: “No,” he said, showing little surprise at the time elapsed. “It’s the way the calendar falls; 12 months.” His demeanor reflects the reality of competitive racing, where victories can be elusive, even for the sport’s most popular driver.
While it’s true that Elliott hasn’t secured a points-paying win in over a year, he did manage to clinch a non-points victory at the start of the 2025 season during the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, where he dominated the race by leading 171 out of 200 laps. This victory, while significant, did little to quell the thirst for a Cup Series win, a goal he and his team are striving to achieve.
Despite the lack of wins in recent months, Elliott has remained a competitive force in the NASCAR Cup Series. Currently, he stands fourth in the championship standings, showcasing his consistency and performance throughout the season. Notably, he is tied with three other drivers for second place in terms of top-10 finishes, having achieved six such finishes in the last eight races. This consistency is critical as it demonstrates Elliott’s ability to stay competitive even in the absence of wins.
Last season, Elliott’s team finished seventh in the overall championship standings. He also recorded the highest number of top-10 finishes, top-five finishes, and laps led in a single season since 2022. With an average finishing position of 11.7, he is performing at a level that hasn’t been seen since 2021, underscoring his skill and tenacity on the track.
Reflecting on the past few seasons, Elliott acknowledged that the journey has been filled with valuable lessons, both positive and negative. The team has had to adapt to a reality where victories aren’t as plentiful as they once were. “You just have to take those lessons and take the experience that comes with all that stuff and figure out how to make it better,” Elliott said. His commitment to growth and improvement speaks to his dedication as a driver and leader within his team.
In racing, as in many sports, the landscape can change rapidly. Elliott’s early career was marked by a series of victories that seemed to come in waves. He secured his first Cup Series win in 2018, and from then on, his success seemed to multiply. He achieved three wins in both 2018 and 2019, followed by an impressive five wins in 2020, the same year he captured the championship title. The following seasons saw him adding another seven victories between 2021 and 2022. However, the year 2023 was a stark contrast, as he went winless, breaking a streak of consistent performance.
The victory at Texas in 2024 was particularly poignant for Elliott, as it ended a 42-race winless streak. The significance of that win resonates even today, as it serves as a reminder of what he can achieve with the right combination of skill and determination. However, the challenge remains to translate that potential into consistent wins, something that Elliott and his team are keenly aware of as they navigate the complexities of the racing season.
As Elliott prepares for the upcoming race at Texas Motor Speedway, the anticipation builds. Qualifying in 29th place for this race poses its own set of challenges, but it also provides an opportunity for strategic maneuvering. Drivers often find themselves needing to dig deep, using their racing acumen to navigate through the pack and make their way to the front.
The mental aspect of racing cannot be overlooked. Elliott’s acknowledgment of the lessons learned over the years highlights an important facet of competitive sports: the ability to adapt and grow from experiences. He recognizes that while victories are crucial, the journey of improvement and resilience is equally vital.
In the world of NASCAR, where every race presents a new set of challenges, Elliott’s story serves as a testament to the highs and lows that come with the sport. His journey reflects not just the desire for victory, but also the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Elliott navigates the remainder of the races. Will he break through for that elusive points-paying win? Only time will tell, but one thing remains certain: Chase Elliott’s passion for racing and his commitment to excellence will continue to drive him forward on and off the track.
With the NASCAR Cup Series in full swing, the stakes are high, and the competition is fierce. For Elliott, each race is not just another chance to win; it’s an opportunity to reclaim his place at the top and continue the legacy he has built over the years. As he gears up for the next race at Texas Motor Speedway, the anticipation and hope for a return to victory lane are palpable, both for him and for his fans.
In the ever-evolving landscape of NASCAR, Chase Elliott’s journey serves as a reminder that the pursuit of excellence is a marathon, not a sprint. The thrill of racing, the challenge of competition, and the lessons learned along the way make for an exciting narrative as Elliott strives to reclaim his winning ways in the NASCAR Cup Series.
