Chase Elliott Breaks Silence on Disappointing Finish – “We Should Have Won”

A Frustrating Finish for Chase Elliott

Chase Elliott, one of NASCAR’s most popular drivers, has always been known for his competitive nature and relentless drive to win. However, after a disappointing finish in his latest race, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Champion is speaking out. In a post-race interview, Elliott didn’t hold back, expressing his frustration and belief that his team should have taken home the victory.

“We should have won,” Elliott stated, a sentiment that has resonated with fans and analysts alike.

With expectations high for the Hendrick Motorsports driver, what exactly went wrong? How did a strong performance slip through his fingers? And what does this mean for his championship aspirations?

This deep dive will analyze:
Chase Elliott’s recent race and the factors that led to his disappointing finish
How this impacts his current season and standing in the NASCAR Playoffs race
What’s next for Elliott and Hendrick Motorsports as they push for redemption

Let’s break it all down.

Chase Elliott’s Race Recap – How Victory Slipped Away

A Strong Start Turns Sour

Elliott came into the race as one of the pre-race favorites, thanks to:
Solid qualifying performance
A strong track record at this venue
Momentum from recent top-10 finishes

From the green flag, Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro was a top contender, running within the top five for most of the race. He demonstrated excellent car control, pit strategy, and speed, positioning himself well for a potential victory.

Key Moments That Changed the Race

Despite Elliott’s strong showing, a few critical moments cost him the race:

1. Late-Race Caution Changes Everything

With only a handful of laps remaining, a late-race caution threw a wrench into the strategy of Elliott’s team. Up to that point, he had been managing his tires and fuel perfectly, but the caution meant:
✔ The field was bunched up again, eliminating his advantage.
✔ Other teams could adjust their strategy, choosing fresh tires or a more aggressive approach.

The caution erased Elliott’s lead and put him in a tough position for the final restart.

2. Pit Strategy – A Costly Decision?

During the caution, Elliott and his crew had a crucial decision to make:
Stay out and defend track position?
Pit for fresh tires and risk losing spots on the restart?

Ultimately, the team chose track position over fresh rubber, a gamble that didn’t pay off as expected. On the restart, drivers with newer tires were able to make aggressive moves, pushing Elliott back.

3. The Final Laps – A Fierce Battle Ends in Disappointment

Elliott found himself in a three-way battle for the lead but struggled to maintain speed against drivers with fresher tires. Despite his best efforts:

• He was overtaken with just a few laps to go.

• Contact with another car forced him to lift off the throttle slightly, costing him even more positions.

• The checkered flag waved with Elliott finishing outside of Victory Lane—a bitter pill to swallow.

After the race, Elliott’s post-race interview made headlines. His disappointment was clear, but his message was even clearer:

Elliott Speaks Out – “We Should Have Won”

In a rare, emotional post-race interview, Elliott let his frustration show:

“I don’t know what to say… we had the car to win today. We should have won this race.”

His words reflect the high expectations within the Hendrick Motorsports camp and the pressure he puts on himself as a former champion.

What This Means for Elliott’s Season

1. A Wake-Up Call for the No. 9 Team

Despite strong performances, Elliott has yet to find Victory Lane this season, and this race was one of his best opportunities yet. His frustration signals that the team needs to fine-tune their strategy and eliminate mistakes if they want to contend for another championship.

2. NASCAR Standings – Does This Hurt His Playoff Hopes?

Elliott is currently fighting to secure his spot in the NASCAR Playoffs. While he’s in a solid position in the standings, this missed opportunity for a win could be costly:
 Wins secure automatic Playoff spots.
 Extra playoff points are crucial for later rounds.
 Other drivers are gaining momentum, making it harder to stay ahead.

With only a few races left before the Playoffs begin, every race counts. Elliott and his team must find a way to close out races and take home trophies.

What’s Next for Chase Elliott?

Elliott’s focus now shifts to the next races on the NASCAR schedule. There are a few key things to watch:

1. Redemption at Upcoming Tracks

Elliott has been strong at tracks like Watkins Glen, Bristol, and Martinsville—all potential venues where he could break his winless streak. If he can carry his recent speed and momentum into these events, he’ll have another shot at Victory Lane.

2. Hendrick Motorsports’ Adjustments

Hendrick Motorsports is one of NASCAR’s top organizations, but even the best teams must adapt. Expect to see:
✔ Refined pit strategy – Learning from this mistake to avoid costly late-race calls.
✔ Car improvements – Ensuring Elliott’s Camaro has the best possible speed.
✔ More aggressive racecraft – If Elliott is in the same position again, expect him to be more aggressive in securing a win.

3. The Road to Another NASCAR Championship

Elliott is no stranger to overcoming adversity. If anything, this disappointing finish could fuel his determination. With a talented team behind him and a strong fanbase supporting him, he remains a serious championship threat.

Final Thoughts – A Tough Loss, But a Championship Mindset

Chase Elliott’s disappointment is understandable—when you have a car fast enough to win, anything less than first place is a tough pill to swallow. However, as frustrating as this finish was, it also highlights Elliott’s resilience and determination.

Key Takeaways:
 Elliott was in position to win but lost due to late-race circumstances.
Pit strategy and tire choices played a key role in his final result.

His Playoff hopes are still alive, but he needs a win soon.
Hendrick Motorsports will likely make adjustments to ensure they capitalize on future chances.

While this wasn’t the outcome Elliott or his fans wanted, there’s no doubt that he’ll bounce back stronger. With the Playoffs approaching, expect to see Elliott fight even harder in the coming weeks.

Will Chase Elliott find redemption in the next race? Let us know your thoughts below! 🚗💨