Nearly halfway through the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, Chase Elliott holds fifth place in the points standings with nine top-10 finishes, including five in the top five, demonstrating a consistent performance. Despite this solid showing, Elliott remains frustrated because he has yet to secure a win this year, which he attributes primarily to difficulties in qualifying.
On the eve of the Saturday night race at EchoPark Speedway near Atlanta, Elliott is set to start from the 15th position, reflecting a recurring challenge in his qualifying efforts this season. Since becoming a full-time Cup Series driver in 2016, Elliott has never been known for strong qualifying performances, but this trend has intensified in 2025. Out of 18 qualifying attempts this year, he has managed only four top-10 starting spots, making it clear why he views this as his biggest obstacle en route to Victory Lane.
Reflecting on his struggles, Elliott explained,
“I think there are a lot of things that go into that,”
followed by,
“It’s a little bit of everything, truthfully, but I think probably the biggest one is qualifying. You know, I think the qualifying thing is so important and an area that I have struggled in. No doubt.”
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
He also emphasized how qualifying impacts more than just grid placement.
“Starting (green-flag) runs in traffic can just really dictate what your car drives like,”
Elliott said.
So, I think being up front, having a really good pit stall, keeping yourself up there, it can change the complexion of your day in such a large way. … I think that would be really top of mind for me as I look at what is one thing that we can do to help ourselves. I think that is probably it.”
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
Racing on Home Turf: Elliott’s Determination to Break Winless Streak in Atlanta
Chase Elliott, a resident of Dawsonville, Georgia, will race close to home this weekend at EchoPark Speedway, located near Atlanta. This setting adds extra motivation for Elliott, whose last NASCAR Cup Series win came in April 2024. With one victory in 13 Cup Series starts at the Atlanta track, he is keen on securing his first win of the 2025 season and his second career triumph on this venue.
The pressure to end his winless run in front of a familiar crowd is clear. When asked about his goals for the weekend, Elliott offered a straightforward answer:
“I would like to go win,”
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
Despite the determination, 2025 has been a challenging season, where wins have been elusive largely due to the ongoing qualifying issues. The link between starting position and race day success has become more apparent to Elliott as he competes against formidable opponents.
The Impact of Qualifying on Elliott’s Season and Prospects Ahead
Chase Elliott’s struggles in qualifying have repeatedly influenced his race outcomes, affecting his ability to capitalize on his car’s performance and strategy. Starting mid-pack or deeper in the field forces him to battle through traffic, which consequently alters how his car handles during crucial green-flag runs. This situation often hinders his competitiveness and limits his chances of reaching Victory Lane.
As one of NASCAR’s most popular and skilled drivers, Elliott understands the significance of improving his qualifying positions. His efforts with Hendrick Motorsports are focused on addressing these issues, as he aims to transform stronger qualifying runs into race wins. With the season advancing, overcoming this hurdle is essential for him to strengthen his championship prospects and satisfy his competitive drive.
Looking forward, Elliott’s priorities will include not only refining his qualifying pace but also maintaining consistency throughout races, particularly at tracks like EchoPark Speedway where local support and familiarity present unique opportunities. How effectively he adjusts could define the trajectory of his 2025 campaign and determine his success in breaking through to victory before the season concludes.
