Chase Elliott the Mouse isn’t as good as he once was. Find out why he is falling apart.

Chase Elliott has long been considered one of NASCAR’s brightest stars. With a championship under his belt and a dedicated fan base, he has built a reputation as a skilled and consistent driver. However, in recent seasons, his dominance has faded, and questions about his performance are growing louder.

What happened to Chase Elliott? Why is the driver once seen as NASCAR’s future now struggling to keep up with his rivals? In this deep dive, we examine the factors behind Elliott’s decline and whether he can bounce back.

The Rise of Chase Elliott: A NASCAR Prodigy

Before analyzing his struggles, it’s important to understand why Chase Elliott was once considered a generational talent.

Born into racing royalty, Elliott is the son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott. From the beginning, expectations were sky-high, but Chase proved he was more than just a famous last name. After dominating in the Xfinity Series, he took over the No. 24 car from Jeff Gordon and later the No. 9 car for Hendrick Motorsports, cementing himself as a top-tier driver.

His breakout moment came in 2020, when he won his first NASCAR Cup Series Championship. At just 24 years old, it looked like he was on track to become the face of the sport for years to come.

However, in recent seasons, cracks have started to show.

Why Chase Elliott Is Falling Apart

1. Inconsistent Performance on the Track

One of the biggest concerns surrounding Chase Elliott is his inconsistency. Unlike his championship-winning season, where he regularly contended for wins, Elliott has struggled to find the same rhythm in recent years.

While he still has the occasional strong race, he has been unable to maintain the consistency that separates good drivers from great ones. In NASCAR, where momentum is everything, his inability to string together solid finishes has hurt his chances of competing for another title.

2. Lack of Aggression and Killer Instinct

Elliott has often been praised for his clean driving style, but in a sport where aggression is sometimes necessary, he may be falling behind.

Drivers like Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, and Denny Hamlin have shown a willingness to be aggressive when needed. Elliott, on the other hand, has often played it safe, leading some to believe that he lacks the killer instinct required to dominate at the highest level.

There have been moments when Elliott had opportunities to make bold moves but hesitated, costing him crucial positions and potential wins.

3. Struggles with the Next Gen Car

The introduction of NASCAR’s Next Gen car has been a game-changer, and some drivers have adapted better than others. Unfortunately for Elliott, he has not been one of them.

While his Hendrick Motorsports teammates, particularly Kyle Larson and William Byron, have managed to find success with the new car, Elliott has struggled to keep up. His driving style, which worked well with the previous generation of cars, has not translated as smoothly to the current setup.

Many of his races in the Next Gen era have been frustrating, with handling issues and poor adjustments plaguing his performances. If he doesn’t find a way to adapt, his struggles will only continue.

4. Injuries and Time Off the Track

Elliott’s 2023 season was disrupted by a serious leg injury from a snowboarding accident, forcing him to miss multiple races. While injuries are part of any athlete’s career, missing time in a competitive sport like NASCAR can have lasting effects.

The time off seemed to impact his rhythm, and since returning, he hasn’t quite looked like the same driver. The injury may have also affected his confidence, causing him to be more cautious behind the wheel.

5. The Mental Toll of Being NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver

Chase Elliott has been voted NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver multiple times, and while that recognition is an honor, it also comes with immense pressure.

Being the face of the sport means dealing with constant expectations, scrutiny, and media attention. If Elliott isn’t winning, the criticism mounts, and for a driver who has always been known for his calm demeanor, the pressure may be taking a toll on his mental game.

A confident driver is a dangerous driver, and if Elliott is doubting himself, it could affect his performance on the track.

Can Chase Elliott Bounce Back?

While Elliott’s recent struggles are concerning, it would be premature to count him out completely. NASCAR is a sport of ups and downs, and even the best drivers go through slumps.

1. Adapting to the Next Gen Car

If Elliott and his team can figure out how to better adapt to the Next Gen car, he could return to being a dominant force. This will require improved communication between him and his crew chief, better race strategies, and a willingness to adjust his driving style.

2. Regaining His Confidence

Winning cures everything. If Elliott can secure a win early in the season, it could restore his confidence and put him back on the right track. Sometimes, all it takes is one strong performance to turn things around.

3. Developing a More Aggressive Edge

Elliott doesn’t need to become a reckless driver, but adding a bit more aggression to his approach could help him in tight situations. He has the talent to compete with the best—he just needs to assert himself more on the track.

4. Using Criticism as Motivation

Great athletes use criticism as fuel. If Elliott can channel the doubt and negativity surrounding his performances into motivation, he could silence his critics in a big way.

Final Thoughts: Is Chase Elliott Still a Contender?

Chase Elliott may not be the same dominant driver he once was, but he still has the potential to turn things around. His struggles are real, and the concerns about his future are valid, but he has the talent, experience, and resources to make a comeback.

If he can adapt, regain his confidence, and develop a more aggressive mindset, there’s no reason why he can’t return to championship form. However, if his struggles continue, NASCAR fans may have to accept that Chase Elliott’s best days are behind him.

One thing is certain: the pressure is on, and 2025 will be a defining season for Chase Elliott. Will he rise to the occasion, or is he truly falling apart? Only time will tell.