Chase Elliott’s Return to Las Vegas: Redemption or Another Nightmare?

Chase Elliott entered the 2024 season with high expectations, looking to secure his second NASCAR Cup Series championship. He showed strong form throughout the year, consistently finishing in the top ten and proving himself as one of the most competitive drivers in the series. However, his championship hopes came to a devastating halt at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the Round of 8.

A costly early-race crash left Elliott finishing 33rd, his worst finish in the final stretch of the season. Despite a series of strong performances leading up to that race, he failed to accumulate enough points to qualify for the Championship 4. It was a disappointing end to what had been a promising campaign.

Chase Elliott reflected on the heartbreak of missing out on the championship opportunity, acknowledging that his team had found their rhythm too late.

“We were really starting to get things together toward the end of the season,” Elliott said. “We were leading laps and improving at the right time, but unfortunately, we were just too late to the party.”

Now, Elliott returns to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the Pennzoil 400, eager to turn the page and start his 2025 campaign on a much stronger note.

Pennzoil 400: A Crucial Test for Chase Elliott

The Pennzoil 400 is a major event in the NASCAR Cup Series, and for Elliott, it represents an important opportunity to showcase his ability to bounce back from last season’s disappointment.

The race weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway begins with practice at 10:35 a.m. on Saturday, followed by qualifying at 11:40 a.m. The green flag for the Pennzoil 400 is set to wave at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, bringing together the top NASCAR drivers in an intense battle for victory.

Elliott understands the importance of securing a strong starting position during qualifying. He believes that setting himself up near the front of the pack will be key to his chances of contending for the win.

“We need to keep putting ourselves in good positions,” Elliott explained. “Leading laps, staying inside the top three rows, and being in position to capitalize when it counts will be critical.”

Carrying Momentum into the New Season

At 29 years old, Chase Elliott remains one of the most talented and determined drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. His Hendrick Motorsports team has shown promising speed, and Elliott believes they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

His season started on a high note when he won The Clash, a high-profile preseason exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium. That victory helped set the tone for what could be a strong championship run in 2025.

Currently, Chase Elliott sits fifth in the point standings, with two top-ten finishes and an average finish of 12.3. Although he has not yet reached Victory Lane in a points-paying race this season, he remains optimistic about his performance.

“I have been really happy with our start to the year,” Elliott said. “We have not always had the best results, but we have had strong performances, great car pace, and solid execution as a team.”

A Shift to More Traditional Tracks

The early part of the NASCAR Cup Series schedule has been unpredictable, featuring a mix of superspeedway races at Daytona and Atlanta, as well as a road course challenge at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. These races often produce unexpected results, making it difficult to evaluate a team’s true strength.

Now, as the series transitions to intermediate tracks, including the 1.5-mile Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Elliott and his competitors will get a much clearer picture of how their cars are performing.

“This is the point in the season where you really start to understand where you stand,” Elliott explained. “You can evaluate your strong points, identify your weaknesses, and make the necessary adjustments moving forward.”

Looking Ahead to the Playoffs

Las Vegas Motor Speedway is not just another stop on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule. It also plays a pivotal role in the playoffs, as it will host the first race of the Round of 8 in October.

Elliott recognizes the importance of gaining valuable experience at this track early in the season. The insights gained from the Pennzoil 400 could prove essential when Las Vegas Motor Speedway returns as a playoff venue later in the year.

“The track still has a lot of grip, even though it has aged over the years,” Elliott noted. “What we learn here in the spring could be really useful when we come back in the fall.”

A More Aggressive Approach to the Season

In previous seasons, drivers often took a measured approach to the early part of the year, saving their best performances for the final ten races of the season. However, the level of competition in NASCAR has reached new heights, making every race crucial.

“We are in a world where you cannot afford to wait,” Elliott said. “You have to be aggressive from the first race of the season. Every opportunity to win or score points matters.”

With the playoff system placing heavy emphasis on victories, drivers must take risks early in the season to secure their place in the championship battle.

Elliott understands the stakes and is determined to maximize his potential at every race.

A Shot at Redemption in Las Vegas

The memories of last year’s disappointment in Las Vegas still linger, but Chase Elliott is focused on writing a new story. The Pennzoil 400 is more than just another race—it is a statement opportunity for the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion.

With his Hendrick Motorsports team behind him and a renewed sense of determination, Elliott is ready to take on the challenge and prove that he is still one of the best drivers in the sport.

“Everything starts now,” Elliott said. “We have the speed, we have the team, and we have the ability to win. Now, it is just about going out there and getting it done.”

As the Pennzoil 400 approaches, fans will be watching closely to see if Chase Elliott can redeem himself in Las Vegas and reestablish himself as a top contender for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship.