Chase Elliott Sets Sights on Second NASCAR Cup Series Title
NASCAR fan-favorite Chase Elliott has his focus firmly set on winning a second Cup Series championship. After initially struggling to adapt to the Next Gen racecar, the driver of the No. 9 car now appears to have found his stride.
Elliott enjoyed a strong debut season with the new car in 2022, collecting five victories. But since then, he has secured just one win, adjusting his approach to better suit the vehicle. In 2025, however, a shift in mindset — and a refreshed design for his NAPA Chevrolet — has given him a renewed sense of purpose.
Ten races into the season, Elliott sits fourth in the standings, with six top-10 finishes. Still, the 2020 Cup Series champion is not completely satisfied with his performance so far.
“It’s been okay — not outstanding,” Elliott admitted. “The first few weeks were decent, especially the Clash, but that race doesn’t hold much weight. The season’s long, and I’m ready for the challenge.”
The No. 9 team, led by veteran crew chief Alan Gustafson, started strong in 2025, dominating at Bowman Gray Stadium by earning the pole and leading 171 of 200 laps.
Despite the preseason momentum, Elliott knows that early success isn’t always a reliable indicator for the rest of the year. “Winning the Clash doesn’t guarantee a good season,” he said. “But it can help build momentum as we get to the more traditional tracks during the summer.”
Back in his 2020 title season, Elliott earned five wins and 22 top 10s. To replicate that success, he’ll first need to return to victory lane. The upcoming race at Texas Motor Speedway marks the one-year anniversary of his last win, and he’s eager to end that drought.
Off the track, Elliott has been busy too. He recently visited New York City to promote the upcoming MLB Speedway Classic, which will be the first Major League Baseball game held at a NASCAR venue — Bristol Motor Speedway — this August.
On the track, consistency remains Elliott’s focus. His average finish of 10.9 is strong, though he has only led 45 laps all season, with nearly all of them coming at Martinsville.
Elliott has also expanded his sponsorship portfolio. Amazon Prime Video recently joined as a primary sponsor in a three-race agreement that runs through 2027, aligning with the length of his Hendrick Motorsports contract. Prime will debut on the No. 9 car during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte, where teammate Kyle Larson will once again attempt the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 “Double.”
Meanwhile, longtime sponsor NAPA remains committed, backing the No. 9 car for 26 races this season.
Elliott expressed excitement about the new partnership with Amazon. “We did a promotional shoot with them recently for their summer series,” he shared. “It’s a great fit, especially with the races they’ll be streaming. It’s a chance to work with a brand that can help us grow the sport.”
