Chase Elliott remains calm about the ongoing modifications to the Next Gen car, focusing instead on driving the vehicle given to him by NASCAR and Hendrick Motorsports. Speaking ahead of the Cup Series practice at Bristol, Elliott emphasized that his role is to make the car perform well, regardless of the changes to tires or aerodynamics. His composed attitude contrasts with other drivers who frequently weigh in on technical aspects.
Over recent years, many drivers have voiced opinions about the Next Gen car, discussing elements like horsepower, tires, aero packages, and diffusers. Denny Hamlin, in particular, has been vocal through his podcast and media appearances. However, Elliott takes a noticeably different path by choosing not to engage heavily in public debates about these technical alterations.
Focus on What Is Within Control
When asked about his viewpoint on the evolving details of the Next Gen car, Elliott shared with FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass that while improvements are always welcome, the full picture remains unclear. He noted,
“Always good to try to improve, and who knows what that is? It might not look any different, and it might look completely different. I don’t think anyone has those answers.”
He admitted there is still uncertainty surrounding rumors and expectations, expressing hope for more clarity after practice sessions. Elliott also observed the recent Truck Series race, commenting,
“And I thought, I caught a little bit of the Truck [Series] race here last night, and it looked really normal to me, honestly. I actually felt like they moved up to the top quicker than I had seen that race do in the past. So, yeah, I don’t know. I’m up for trying it. Hopefully, it goes better, and if it doesn’t, we’ll reevaluate.”
Choosing Not to Stress Over Decisions Beyond Control
Elliott’s reluctance to dwell on Next Gen car changes stems from his belief that worrying about decisions he has no power over serves no purpose. He stated,
“I’m not going to stress over it. Because I have no control over it. Why am I going to stress over something that I have no say-so in, I have no decision, I have no part in the decision, and I’m totally okay with that. You know, it’s not up to me to decide. And I’m not an expert in manufacturing tires, and I’m not going to act like that I am. Just like, I don’t know what the fix is for the car.”
He acknowledged that while everyone has ideas about what could be improved, claiming to have all the answers is unrealistic. Elliott added,
“You know, I think we all have ideas and opinions and things we want to see better, but man, I think if you sit here and act like you have all the answers, one hundred percent, then boy, you’re either really smart or…I don’t know. But I certainly don’t have all the answers. It’s just not an area that I have any say-so in, and I think for me it’s more productive to just try to focus on the things that are in my control and try to go as fast as possible and adapt to whatever it is that we’re faced with.”
Elliott’s Reserved Stance Compared to Other Drivers
Unlike some of his peers, Elliott generally keeps his opinions to himself, not engaging frequently in public discussions about car adjustments. This could be seen as a contrast to drivers like Denny Hamlin, who regularly comment on Next Gen car issues through podcasts and other media outlets. Elliott’s focus remains firmly on driving and adapting rather than influencing technical decisions.
Others in the racing community, such as Ross Chastain, have also expressed similar attitudes by emphasizing the importance of adapting to the given parameters rather than worrying about specific modifications. Chastain and Elliott both underscore the practical approach of entering each race ready to be the fastest within the established rules, regardless of the details regarding tires or horsepower.
The Broader Implications of Driver Attitudes Toward Next Gen Car
Chase Elliott’s measured perspective on the Next Gen car reflects a strategic mindset prevalent among some drivers who prefer to focus on performance rather than debate. His choice to accept decisions made by NASCAR and his team without stressing over unchangeable variables points to a pragmatic approach in a sport often filled with technical and strategic uncertainty.
This mindset may impact how team dynamics and driver feedback evolve moving forward, possibly encouraging a focus on adaptability rather than resistance to change. As the Next Gen car continues to develop throughout the season, Elliott’s calm and focused attitude could prove advantageous in managing the challenges posed by ongoing adjustments.
