Chase Elliott, the talented Hendrick Motorsports driver, experienced a monumental breakthrough during the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series season. Rising from his status as a promising rookie, he cemented his place among the series’ elite by securing his first Cup Series victory in August at Watkins Glen International. Demonstrating exceptional skill and determination, Elliott led the final 33 laps, ultimately triumphing over defending champion Martin Truex Jr.
Building on this success, Chase Elliott showcased remarkable prowess during the playoffs. In a stunning display at Dover, he propelled himself to victory after an early setback, using a bold strategy to win in overtime. Elliott’s third clutch victory followed at Kansas, where he skillfully held off Kyle Busch, who dominated 44 laps, to secure the win. Displaying consistent excellence, Elliott concluded the season with an impressive record of three wins, 11 top-five finishes, and 21 top-ten finishes, achieving an average finish of 12.3.
Speaking candidly in an interview with Jeff Gluck during the famed 12 Questions series in 2018, Elliott shared that the ultimate compliment he could receive would come from his competitors, valuing respect for his conduct on the track. His focus on sportsmanship and competitive spirit embodies his approach to racing.
Chase Elliott’s insights on the complexities of racing, particularly at superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega, highlight the challenges drivers face. Elliott discussed the demanding nature of these intense races, which require navigating large, close-packed fields at high speeds over extended periods. He emphasized the critical role of drafting, strategy, and pit stop management in avoiding multi-car collisions and emerging successfully from the chaos.
His recent performance in 2025 demonstrates Chase Elliott’s ongoing influence in racing. With a strong standing, boasting five top-10 finishes and two top-5 placements in nine races, his average finish remains a notable 11.6. Elliott’s impressive achievement in the preseason Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, where he led 171 of 200 laps, underscores his enduring capability to dominate the track.
Chase Elliott continues to lead Hendrick Motorsports in performance at Talladega, with two wins and unprecedented levels of achievement, including being the leading driver in laps led. As NASCAR enthusiasts eagerly follow his journey, Elliott’s 2018 NASCAR season remains a beacon of potential, marking the transformative year when the young racer transitioned from rookie to racing star.
