As the 2026 NASCAR Cup season approaches, champion Chase Elliott from Dawsonville is preparing to return behind the wheel of his No. 9 Chevy Camaro for the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem. Reflecting on his 2025 performance, Elliott evaluated his results and readiness for the upcoming races as he aims to improve on last year’s mixed outcomes.
During the 2025 season, Elliott secured two victories, including the prestigious Cook Out Clash, while achieving 11 top-five finishes and 19 top-10 placings across 36 starts. He led 454 laps in total and holds an impressive career record of 21 Cup Series wins and one All-Star Race championship. Additionally, he claimed the NASCAR Xfinity Series title in 2014, highlighting his long-term success in the sport.
Insights on Last Season’s Performance and Recovery
Despite snapping a 44-race winless streak at Atlanta Motor Speedway, now known as EchoPark Speedway, Elliott’s overall momentum was tempered by lingering effects of a fractured tibia sustained in a 2023 skiing accident. While statistics display solid results, Elliott admits that numerical data alone doesn’t fully represent his journey last season.
“Obviously, the Clash went really well, which doesn’t have anything to do with the numbers,” Chase Elliott said (via ESPN). “But that part went well. I thought some of the opening speedway races went well.”
He also noted that avoiding race wrecks played a role in how his season unfolded.
“Truthfully, I think some of the numbers were reflected by the fact that we didn’t get caught up in the wrecks,” Elliott continued. “I really didn’t feel like our performance got to its peak until probably the last month or month and a half of the season.”
This gradual improvement toward the end of 2025 suggests Elliott’s potential to rebound strongly in 2026, building on a foundation that was hindered earlier by injury and tough luck.
Targets Set for Early 2026 Events at Bowman Gray and Daytona
Looking ahead, Elliott will defend his title at the NASCAR Clash scheduled for February 2 on the historic 0.25-mile Bowman Gray oval, where the Cup Series returned last year after a 54-year absence. As the reigning Clash winner there, Elliott plans to continue his success and hopes to establish momentum heading into the points-paying Daytona 500 the following month.
“I’m looking forward to going back. I thought it was a great event last year,” Elliott said in an interview. “A lot of energy and excitement around it. I think the crowd, the vibes were great. Obviously, it went really well for us. But even outside of that, I thought it was really good. So yeah, I’m ready to get going.”
The Daytona 500, often dubbed NASCAR’s crown jewel and scheduled for February 15, marks the first points race of the 2026 season. Among Hendrick Motorsports’ active drivers, only Elliott’s teammate William Byron has captured a Daytona 500 victory. The highly anticipated 500-mile race will air live on FOX, with radio coverage provided through MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Expectations and Upcoming Challenges as Elliott Pursues Improved Results
As Elliott prepares for the new season, the reflections on his 2025 challenges serve as motivation to refine his performance. His cautious optimism highlights the balance of resilience and drive needed after a complicated year impacted by injury and inconsistent finishes. With a strong showing at Bowman Gray and the Daytona 500 in sight, Elliott and Hendrick Motorsports aim to regain winning form and contend for top honors.
Fans will be able to watch Elliott’s early 2026 races on FOX and follow detailed updates on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, setting the stage for what promises to be a competitive season as he pursues championship ambitions once again.
