After one-year playoff hiatus, Chase Elliott ready for NASCAR postseason

After an incredible 2022 season in which Chase Elliott won five races, made the Championship Four and scored more points than any other driver, the 2020 champion was seen as the championship favorite going into 2023.

Fate would have other ideas, however, as a snowboarding incident before the third race of the season at Las Vegas sidelined him for a month.

What followed was one of the most tumultuous years of Elliott’s career, which included a suspension after Elliott intentionally crashed Denny Hamlin in the Coca-Cola 600.

After missing a slew of races, Elliott would miss the 2023 playoffs, despite putting together a consistent season when he was on the track.

A winless, fruitless 2023 campaign was frustrating, and after a less-than-stellar start to the 2024 season, it seemed like the No. 9 team had taken a step back.

The perception of Eliott and his team changed on April 14, when he broke a 42-race winless streak at Texas Motor Speedway. The win locked Elliott into the playoffs and also served as a reminder that he’s still one of the best drivers currently competing in the Cup Series.

After 19 races, Elliott hadn’t finished outside of the top 20, making him and the No. 9 team the most consistent in the field.

Eliott finished the regular season with three straight finishes outside of the top 10, but that shouldn’t be a deterrent for those hesitant to pick him to win the championship.

On any given weekend, Elliott has the potential to challenge for the win. Like teammate Wiliam Byron, the first round of the postseason lines up well for Elliott, who is a former winner at Atlanta and a two-time winner at Watkins Glen.

Elliott may not be the most popular pick to hoist the Cup, but don’t be surprised if he makes the Championship Four for the fourth time in five seasons.