Although not on the playoff roster, Chase Elliott surely spiced up this year’s NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. With his stellar drive, he maneuvered the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports team straight into the round of 8 for the owner’s championship. The success followed a string of consistent performances in rounds 16 and 12. However, it’s been a rollercoaster year for Elliott.

Being absent from over a quarter of the 26-race regular season, he never saw the winner’s circle. While his points-per-race average remained commendable, ranking among the series’ top 10, it sadly wasn’t his ticket to the postseason. To add salt to the wound, Elliott’s recent performance at Martinsville was less than spectacular. It meant waving goodbye to any hopes of clinching the owner’s championship as well. 

The Martinsville performance of Chase Elliott has, unfortunately, dimmed the last glimmer of hope for Mr. H

Boasting an admirable average of 13.2, with five top-5s, ten top-10s, and one celebrated win under his belt on Martinsville racetrack, many eyes were on NASCAR’s golden boy. Fans eagerly awaited Chase Elliott to snatch a win or at least some stage points, which could propel his team into the owner’s championship 4. But what unfolded on the track?

During the 333rd lap, the scene was set for a potential twist. Chase Elliott surged ahead, leading the pack with Corey LaJoie trailing on the outside, Erik Jones in the third spot, and Aric Almirola holding the fourth. For a moment, it seemed like NASCAR’s darling driver might break away from his 2023 season’s pattern. Yet, by the time Elliott hit the pits on the 491st lap, after a dominant lead of 83 laps, the writing was on the wall: a top-10 finish seemed out of reach. 

Jeff Gluck, the ever-in-the-know NASCAR insider, took to Twitter, dropping the bombshell: “With the No. 9 car eliminated from the owner points playoffs today, the final four is the same for both drivers/owners.”  The revelation was a bitter pill for Elliott’s diehard fans, marking 2023 as possibly the most challenging year for Chase. And finally, the ill-fated Martinsville race ended his 2023 Cup journey with a P17 finish for him.

To add salt to the wound, another NASCAR insider had ominously predicted that the game was up for Elliott. The chatter was that his team had probably packed their bags and were already looking ahead.

Watch This Story: Chase Elliott’s Struggle and Fight for Redemption

The NASCAR oracle’s prediction of Chase Elliott’s winless streak hits the bullseye

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Diving deep into Elliott’s track performance this season, ex-driver Kyle Petty seemed skeptical of Elliott’s chances. Chatting on the Motorsports on NBC Podcast, when probed about Elliott’s prospects at the upcoming Martinsville race, Petty quipped, “I think Chase Elliott’s best chance to win at Martinsville is next year.” 

The cold, hard fact? Chase Elliott hasn’t clinched a single victory this season. With the clock ticking and only a couple of races left, it was looking increasingly likely that he’d close the season without a win. Echoing these sentiments, analyst Brad Daugherty chimed in with his two cents. He observed a certain lack of fire and zeal in Elliott’s drive, stating that he’s been cruising comfortably in the middle of the pack, especially this postseason.

Chase Elliott Labeled as a “Mid-Pack” Driver as Former NBA Legend Puts Lack of Effort in the Spotlight

Comparing him to his HMS peers, who have historically shone at Martinsville, Brad Daugherty’s final verdict was rather bleak: “I think the season’s over for Chase Elliott. I think they kinda packed up and moved on.” Here’s to hoping Chase Elliott swaps any skateboarding antics for some serious track time next year, revving up his game and making a roaring comeback!