Chase Elliott, the NASCAR driver, shared insights into his mindset heading into the Charlotte ROVAL race after his victory at Kansas secured his advancement in the playoffs. With the Round of 8 approaching, Elliott emphasized the importance of accumulating points to prepare for the critical Phoenix race.
Building on the momentum from his Kansas win, Elliott aimed to gain additional points at the Charlotte ROVAL, a challenging hybrid track that demands adaptability from drivers. He explained that earning five extra points at Charlotte could significantly influence their starting position in the subsequent playoff round, which is vital in a tightly contested postseason.
His determination to pursue wins throughout the playoffs underlines the competitive nature of NASCAR’s elimination format, where consistent top performances are essential. Elliott believes the upcoming Charlotte race must serve as a model for how his team races in the weeks that follow. He stated, via Speedway Digest:
“My mind is really all about (the) Charlotte (ROVAL) right now because five more points would be a really big deal for us starting the next round and we will be in a position where you’re going to have to fight for wins over the next round too.” — Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
“So, I think it’s a great opportunity to race this weekend like we’re going to have to race the next three weeks following that and get our team in a position where that’s the norm because if you want to get to Phoenix, that’s got to be the mindset there anyway. So, you might as well embrace it and enjoy it.” — Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
Chase Elliott’s Season Performance and Playoff Status
This season, Elliott has made 32 starts, achieving two wins, ten top-five finishes, and sixteen top-10 finishes. His latest victory in Kansas was crucial, securing his position in the Round of 8 within the NASCAR playoffs. Earlier in the year, he notched his 20th career victory with a dramatic last-lap pass in Atlanta, highlighting his ability to perform under pressure.
Throughout the year, Elliott has led for 592 laps and collected 3,104 points, ranking him fifth in the overall Cup Series standings. His average finishing position hovers near 12th, with multiple strong showings near the front of the pack.
Elliott Reflects on the Denny Hamlin-Bubba Wallace Incident at Kansas
The Hollywood Casino 400 concluded with intense action in overtime, where Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace fiercely competed for an automatic playoff spot. Hamlin’s forceful maneuver pushed Wallace into the fence, creating chaos on the track. Positioned just behind the incident, Elliott focused on maintaining his racing line instead of engaging with the skirmish, which helped him capitalize on the situation and secure victory.
About the moment, Elliott said:
“Honestly, probably not fair for me to comment. Like, I was coming down the back, and, yes, I was right behind them. Once I saw they were fixing to ship it in there, my eyes went where I needed to go, so I quit watching them.” — Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
“I just knew I had to paint the white line really precise; it’s a pretty small window … so my eyes went there, and I have no idea what happened with them.” — Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
Team Strategy and Tire Management Highlighted
In addition to his driving skill, Elliott praised his Hendrick Motorsports crew for their exceptional tire management strategy during the race. He was notable for being the only top-five finisher who crossed the finish line with four fresh tires after a late pit stop, a move that contributed significantly to his strong performance and ultimate victory.
The Importance of a Phoenix-Focused Mindset
Elliott has made it clear that his approach to the Charlotte ROVAL and the races that follow must reflect the reality of NASCAR’s playoffs, where the competition intensifies at every turn. By embracing a mindset that prioritizes aggressive yet calculated racing, he aims to position himself and his team for success in Phoenix, where the stakes are high and performance must peak.
The upcoming weeks will test Elliott’s resilience and consistency, as he seeks to maintain momentum while navigating the demanding playoff environment. His ability to balance point accumulation with a commitment to winning will be crucial as the Round of 8 progresses toward its decisive moments.
With a strong season performance behind him and a clear strategy for what lies ahead, Chase Elliott’s focus on the Phoenix mindset signals his determination to contend for the NASCAR championship, showcasing his vibrant, passionate, and relentless approach to the sport.
“I have no idea what happened with them, I’m sorry” @chaseelliott on his thoughts about what he saw as the bottom lane opened up after the contact between Hamlin and Wallace. pic.twitter.com/PNpOQYXf5v
— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) September 29, 2025
