Time is running out for Chase Elliott in his bid to make it to the playoffs this season. With just nine races left in the Cup Series regular season, it is continuously becoming an uphill task for the Hendrick Motorsports star driver to secure his berth. Given his history at road courses, he must be looking to capitalize on Chicago Street Course on Sunday. However, Elliott‘s recent comments say otherwise.

It is not often that other drivers side with Kyle Busch and his views. However, Elliott not so long ago echoed a similar opinion as Rowdy did.

Chase Elliott makes a U-turn after previously joining hands with Kyle Busch

What happened earlier in the season with Chase Elliott was unfortunate. Had it not been for his snowboarding injury, he would probably have easily qualified for the playoffs. However, it is what it is and he now has to step up immensely and make good use of the chances at hand.

Now, he faces an interesting challenge in going all the way on the Chicago Street Course. While it is a new track for everyone, Elliott was a bit skeptical about the setup last weekend at Nashville; as was Kyle Busch. Speaking to Chris Knight, the former said, “It’s going to be different. From my understanding, the surface is pretty rough.”

The HMS star further added, “A lot of 90-degree corners. I’m sure it’s going to be very hot. All those things certainly are a factor, but we’ll dive in next week and go to work.” Having said that, his outlook on the track seems to have completely changed this week.

As reported by NASCAR journalist Jeff Gluck, Elliott looks “pleasantly surprised” at the layout, flow, and logistics of the street course so far. Not only that, he said, “Super impressed…props to NASCAR and all the people who put this place together.” This certainly contradicts his last week’s statements but it is the setup at Chicago that has forced Elliott to change his stance.

WATCH THIS STORY | Chase Elliott & Denny Hamlin Combine to Give Ross Chastain “An A** Whipping”

Further, the #9 driver gave an idea of what could help register a win at the unorthodox Cup Series track in Chicago.

Elliott shares the challenges ahead of the race at Chicago Street Course

Trending

Rick Hendrick Shuts Down Hendrick Motorsports, Asserting Dominance Over the Grid During the Olympic Break

Despite Being Forced to Sell His House, Kevin Harvick Recalls How He Relished Proving Doubters Wrong With Tony Stewart’s NASCAR Vision

Tony Stewart Reveals “It’s Going to Frustrate the Daylights Out of Me” as $526.78 Billion Worth Sponsor Pits Smoke’s Talent Against Fans

NASCAR Rumors: Jimmie Johnson Finally Hanging Up His Firesuit Amidst Legacy Motor Club’s Mass Firing

Tony Stewart Angered His 300 Employees After Losing It All in NASCAR, Claims Kevin Harvick’s Ex-Crew Chief

It is imperative that Chase Elliott finds his rhythm given the unique situation he is in after missing out on seven races. However, it is going to be difficult in Chicago given how the track is unfamiliar to any of the racers. In fact, Elliott gave an idea of the challenges that can arise on Sunday.

Speaking to the press ahead of the race, Elliott said, “It’s [the track is] obviously narrow in sections. I think that’s going to be a hot topic of things to talk about. I do think it’s going to be difficult to pass once everybody gets up to pace come race time, but I hope that we’re able to mix it up and do different things.”

The 27-year-old also explained what he plans to do. He said, “I want to just go make laps and try to find a rhythm and go to work from there. A really important 50 minutes coming up and then we roll right into qualifying. I think qualifying well is going to be paramount to having a shot to win tomorrow.” All said and done, it would be interesting to see how Elliott fares on this dicey track.

READ MORE – HMS Legend Makes a Massive Chase Elliott Prediction While Exposing Next-Gen Car’s Vulnerabilities at Chicago