It will be a tough task for Chase Elliott to make the playoffs, but it is not impossible Throughout his career, Elliott has consistently demonstrated his ability to win races at any given moment, showcasing his potential to rise to the occasion when it matters most. With seven races remaining in the regular season, he is hoping for a strong finish to improve his overall standings and bridge the 60-point gap that currently separates him from the playoff cutoff.

The 2021 champion currently finds himself in the 23rd position in the overall standings, a position that does not reflect his true capabilities. Despite the slim odds of making the playoffs this season, many within the racing community believe in Elliott’s true potential to secure a place in the playoffs.

At the start of the 2023 season, HMS showed impressive performance with victories by drivers Kyle Larson and William Byron. However, as the season progressed, the HMS drivers seemed to struggle to maintain their momentum, except for Chase Elliott, who consistently finished in the top five. Although his consistent finishes have been commendable, Elliott understands that he needs a race win to solidify his position in the playoffs, as mere consistency may not be enough.

Todd Gordon and Steve Post Discussed the playoff List and Couldn’t write off Chase Elliott’s name

Furthermore, during a conversation between Steve Post and Todd Gordon, Jimmie Johnson’s crew chief, the focus shifted to the other drivers and teams who were pushing themselves beyond the playoff bubble. Specifically, they discussed the notable performances of Chris Buescher, Daniel Suarez, and Michael McDowell, highlighting their potential to secure a race win and qualify for the playoffs. As these drivers gain momentum, they pose a significant challenge to Chase Elliott and his team, Hendrick Motorsports.

Todd talked about how HMS started up the season. During the MRN Crew Call podcast, Todd said, “I feel like Hendrick started up the season like on up there. They were by far very good. I feel like the garage has caught up because when look at it where do you feel on go won this weekend? Not the best car, not the best car at all”

“I don’t feel like Kyle Larson was dominant start to the season, I don’t feel like he inclif of been the greatest they needed to be. I feel like that program is I think they are still very good either just not exceptional.”

Gordon concluded, “We’ve got great opportunity coming up for Chase Elliott and I couldn’t write him off.”

However, Steve Post also agreed with Jimmie Johnson’s crew chief and he too believes Chase Elliott has seven great chances to make their place in the playoffs. He said, “He got seven great opportunities he’s that good. That team is that good. And we could be certain here two wins going into playoff and so and boy we were worried about nothing when we talked about back here in the middle part of July.”

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Chase Elliott Reveals His Struggles to Adaptation to HMS Garage Changes

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Following Hendrick Motorsports’ impressive performance during the summer stretch, the team underwent significant transformations that subsequently impacted their results. Chase Elliott recently discussed these changes in an interview with NBC, acknowledging the shift in dynamics by stating, “We had a good summer stretch, but a lot has changed since then.”

One of the major challenges that emerged for the drivers was the adjustment to tire configurations, as well as the shifts in setup directions. Adapting to these changes takes time and effort. For drivers to navigate these adjustments, it can sometimes be a lengthy process. Unfortunately for Elliott, time is of the essence as he urgently needs to produce results to secure his place in the playoffs.

Chase Elliott’s words highlight the determination of finding a winning formula despite those evolving changes. Elliott said, “I think personally, the setups and just the direction that the garage went in were a pretty large departure of what we had success with through the early stages of the season and through the summer months.”

Only time will reveal how Elliott and Hendrick Motorsports navigate these challenges and whether they can reclaim their earlier form to secure a place in the playoffs.

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