Chase Elliott’s Shocking Comeback at COTA: The Jaw-Dropping Performance No One Saw Coming!

What if one of the best performances of the NASCAR season went completely unnoticed? Chase Elliott’s remarkable recovery drive at the 2025 Circuit of the Americas (COTA) was barely acknowledged—except by one man: Richard Petty.

After a disastrous first-lap crash, Elliott was sent to the back of the field, struggling with serious car damage. But instead of fading into obscurity, the road course king clawed his way back to a stunning fourth-place finish, demonstrating unwavering determination, masterful driving, and strategic mid-race repairs.

Watching it unfold, Richard Petty couldn’t shake one question:
“What if Elliott hadn’t been wrecked? Would he have won the race?”

Even Petty’s legendary former crew chief, Dale Inman, agreed, calling it one of the season’s most overlooked performances. The real question is: Did fans and analysts fail to recognize a road course masterstroke in real time?

Chase Elliott’s Battle Against the Odds

Speaking on the Petty Family Racing Podcast, Richard Petty didn’t hold back his praise:

“I guess the whole deal is, he must have driven his hardest all the way through. He started dead last, way behind, and still wound up finishing fourth.”

That’s no small feat, but it’s no surprise either. Elliott is the undisputed king of road courses, with seven road course victories—the most among active NASCAR drivers.

But why was he forced to start dead last?

The answer is Ross Chastain.

On Lap 1, Chastain’s aggressive dive into Turn 1 forced a three-wide situation, slamming into Elliott’s rear. With road course racing demanding precise handling, any damage to the suspension could have ruined Elliott’s race.

However, the Hendrick Motorsports crew made a bold strategic call:
Instead of gambling on a weakened car, they used the Stage 1 break to repair the damaged toe link—a critical suspension component.

It was a high-risk decision in a sport where every second on the pit road matters. But that gamble paid off, keeping Elliott in the fight.

Richard Petty Confirms What Many Missed

Even after repairs, Elliott’s car was still compromised. Crew chief Alan Gustafson later revealed the extent of the damage:

“We had to get under there and work on the toe link. He hit something back there on that spin. We got it fixed as best we could, but I think we lost some performance because of it.”

Despite driving a wounded machine, Elliott surgically carved through the field, executing brilliant overtakes without the advantage of track position or strategic shortcuts.

“Did Elliott Get the Credit He Deserved?”

Petty doesn’t think so.

“I don’t know if he got credit for how good he came through that crowd and how good he would have been if he’d been upfront to start with.”

Elliott’s incredible drive showcased his extraordinary skill, proving why he remains one of the best road course racers in NASCAR history.

Yet, despite his heroic comeback, Elliott wasn’t exactly in a forgiving mood.

Elliott vs. Chastain: A Brewing Feud?

Tensions erupted as Elliott radioed his team, demanding to know whether the crash was his fault or if he had been taken out unfairly.

Crew chief Alan Gustafson didn’t hesitate:

“You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s just stupidity. But you know, we’re gonna have to pay that back. When we get a chance to send him, we’re sending that 1 car.”

Elliott’s response?

“That’s fine. I’ll do what I need to do. But I just need to make sure I wasn’t in the wrong before I do it.”

This set the stage for a potential revenge storyline later in the season.

How Does This Compare to Other NASCAR Comebacks?

While Elliott’s recovery drive was spectacular, it brings to mind some of the most legendary comeback performances in NASCAR history:

• Jeff Gordon at Martinsville (1999) After an early crash, Gordon battled back to take a shocking victory.
• Kyle Busch at Indianapolis (2016) overcame multiple setbacks to dominate the race.
• Jimmie Johnson at Dover (2015): After going a lap down, Johnson fought back to win against all odds.

Could Elliott’s COTA comeback be added to this list? Some say it should.

Fan Reactions: Did Elliott Deserve More Hype?

NASCAR fans quickly took to social media, debating whether Elliott’s comeback was properly recognized.

 “How did NASCAR not highlight Elliott’s drive more? That was some of the best road course racing I’ve seen!” “Chase was robbed of a real chance to win. If he starts up front, this is his race.”  “Chastain strikes again. Guy is a menace, and NASCAR needs to start calling this out.”

Clearly, Elliott’s performance didn’t go unnoticed among the hardcore fanbase. But did NASCAR’s official coverage fail to highlight it enough?

Could This Feud Explode at Phoenix?

Elliott’s calculated fury suggests payback may be coming—perhaps as soon as Phoenix.

Chastain, on the other hand, faces increasing pressure to balance aggression with respect. If he continues to alienate rivals, he risks damaging relationships on the track—something that could haunt him in future championship battles.

Meanwhile, NASCAR fans are left wondering:

• Did Chase Elliott’s drive at COTA deserve more recognition?
• Will Elliott retaliate against Chastain?
• Is Chastain changing, or is he still the most aggressive driver in the sport?

One thing is certain—this rivalry isn’t over.

 A Masterpiece That Deserved More Hype

Chase Elliott’s comeback at COTA was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a masterclass in resilience, racecraft, and sheer determination.

Yet, it went largely unnoticed—except by Richard Petty, a man who knows greatness when he sees it.

With NASCAR’s most intense rivalries heating up, fans should buckle up. Because if Elliott gets his chance for revenge, it might just become the biggest story of the season.

Is this the turning point for Elliott’s 2025 season?

While Elliott’s COTA comeback was remarkable, it raises an even bigger question: Can this be the momentum shift he needs for a title push? Before COTA, Elliott’s season had been a mix of bad luck and missed opportunities, but this performance proved that he’s still one of NASCAR’s most elite drivers. If he can build off this, expect strong showings at Watkins Glen, Sonoma, and even the Charlotte Roval. With road courses becoming more crucial in modern NASCAR, Elliott might still be a serious contender for the 2025 Cup Series championship.