In a world where every lap counts, NASCAR drivers often find themselves navigating unexpected turns. For Chase Elliott, the 2023 season has been a departure from the norm, as he competes for the owner’s championship rather than the coveted driver’s championship. However, the question that comes to mind is whether it has affected his approach to racing in the playoffs.

The 27-year-old Hendrick Motorsports star driver faced an unfamiliar scenario as he entered the final stretch of the 2023 season. For the first time in his seven-season Cup Series career, he didn’t have a shot at the driver’s championship. However, he isn’t without purpose. Chase Elliott finds himself in fierce competition for the owner’s title—a title of huge financial significance for the teams.

Chase Elliott opens up about his approach to racing for the owner’s title in the playoffs

Chase Elliott’s absence from the driver’s championship race doesn’t deter him. He has been open up about the fact that nothing really feels any different to him. Despite the challenges of missing six races due to a snowboarding accident and a suspension after an allegedly intentional collision with Denny Hamlin, Elliott remains focused. He’s determined to make the most of this season.

As the NASCAR season unfolds, Talladega Superspeedway looms large on the horizon. Elliott’s recent performances, including five top-10 finishes in the last seven races, have demonstrated his resilience. Although he ran out of fuel at Watkins Glen and faced a less favorable result in P11 last weekend at Texas, Elliott remains optimistic about his approach to Talladega.

According to hendrickmotorsports.com Chase Elliott spoke about fighting for the owner’s championship and whether it has changed his approach. He said, “It’s kind of surprised me in a way because obviously, there is a lot of talk about the driver side and there is not really a lot of talk about the owner’s front. Once the deal got started, I don’t feel any different than I have felt in years past. It still keeps us very motivated and keeps me motivated to want to go and do a good job. Now that we are here, it feels like another playoff year really in our approach and my approach.”

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Chase Elliott’s mindset reflects his commitment to giving his best in this new chapter of his career, despite the unconventional circumstances. However, as Elliott competes for the Owner’s title, questions naturally arise about what rewards await him if he succeeds.

Elliott is not concerned about the rewards for winning the owner’s title as he is confident in Rick Hendrick’s fairness

Elliott isn’t overly concerned about the specifics of the rewards he might receive if he bags the owner’s title. He places his trust in Rick Hendrick, his boss, and the team owner.

As reported by NASCAR journalist Matt Weaver, Elliott acknowledged that discussions about rewards haven’t taken place yet but expressed confidence in Hendrick’s fairness. He stated, “We haven’t talked about it, but certainly with the precedent that was set last year, I would have to imagine there is experience in going through a situation like this.”

He continued, “It’s not a concern of mine, and the reason is that Rick has always been extremely fair to me. He’s always treated me with a lot of respect as it pertains to HMS or beyond.” Chase Elliott’s trust in Hendrick extends beyond the track, reflecting the strong bond between driver and team owner.

Chase Elliott’s 2023 season has had many unexpected twists. From missed races to a shift in championship focus. What are your thoughts on Chase Elliott’s approach to this season and his trust in Rick Hendrick? Let us know in the comments below.

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