Chase Elliott is focusing on his performance to secure a spot in the NASCAR playoffs and claim the $1 million prize in the in-season tournament beginning June 28 at his home track in Atlanta. Despite the pressure of a 32-team, single-elimination format, Elliott believes that concentrating on his driving will naturally position him well in the standings.
Elliott’s Approach to Balancing the Tournament and Playoff Goals
Before the Cup race at Nashville last Sunday, Elliott discussed how he manages the challenges of both the playoffs and the in-season tournament. He stressed the importance of focusing on consistent execution, rather than worrying about points or standings. According to Elliott, achieving regular success on the track is the foundation for qualifying for playoff opportunities.
“That’s kind of my approach to all those things. It just does not do you any good to worry about those things. Our expectations and our goals are to try and be amongst those teams that have opportunities to win regularly. You know, if you’re doing that, you’re going to get your turn.”
— Elliott described
“And if you’re not, then you won’t. It’s really that simple. I think that if your goals and your expectations are in a high enough place and where they should be, the stuff that goes on the side will sort itself out, and that’s kind of how I’ll view that, as well,”
— Elliott described
When pressed about feelings of anxiety over going winless in races and stages this season, Elliott stated he remains focused on earning a victory rather than dwelling on the lack of wins. He is motivated by clear goals and keeps his mindset centered on attaining them.
Chase Elliott’s Playoff Position Despite a Winless Season
Although Elliott has yet to win a race this season, he holds an impressive 5th place in the points standings, sitting comfortably above the playoff cutline. This standing is notable as only drivers with wins rank ahead of him. His consistent top-20 finishes have kept him well-positioned as the season progresses.
Speaking ahead of the Nashville Cup race, Elliott acknowledged that while being inside the playoff bubble is favorable, his focus is not on merely scraping into the postseason. He aims higher, seeking to accumulate significant playoff points rather than just making the cutoff.
“Certainly better to be in that position than on the other side of the fence, no doubt. But I’d be lying if I said that was my top focus. It’s just not. I think that if you’re worried about barely getting into the playoffs, I think you have some work to do. It really is kind of the best way I can think about that.”
— Elliott described
“And just to talk about my thought process, I want to be better than that. I want to be in the group of people of how many playoff points do you have, not just barely getting in. Our expectations and goals are above that, and we hope that we can achieve all of our goals,”
— Elliott described
Elliott also highlighted that there remains plenty of racing left before the playoff cutoff becomes critical. Winning a race would ease playoff uncertainties, but without victory, positioning can become complicated. Drawing on past experience, he is mindful to avoid entering a challenging points battle near the end of the regular season.
The Significance of a Focused Mindset for NASCAR Success
Chase Elliott’s strategy to focus solely on his performance rather than external pressures reflects a calm and measured approach to one of the sport’s most competitive seasons. As the in-season tournament launches and the regular season unfolds, his ability to maintain composure and pursue consistent results could solidify his playoff berth and increase his chances of winning the million-dollar prize.
With the season still developing, Elliott’s balanced mindset and clear objectives showcase how a driver’s internal focus can influence outcomes in highly pressured environments. His goal-oriented attitude and steady accumulation of points highlight how success in NASCAR often depends as much on consistency as on outright victories.
