‘It all starts now’: Chase Elliott gears up for a strong performance at Pennzoil 400

Chase Elliott, one of NASCAR’s most popular drivers and the 2020 Cup Series champion, is gearing up for a pivotal race at the Pennzoil 400 in Las Vegas. As the NASCAR Cup Series continues to gain momentum in the 2025 season, Elliott and his No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports team are focused on refining their performance on traditional 1.5-mile tracks.

After a rollercoaster 2024 season that saw him narrowly miss out on the Championship 4, Elliott is determined to build consistency early in the year. His goal? To secure crucial points and establish himself as a title contender long before the playoffs begin.

With Las Vegas Motor Speedway playing a key role in both the regular season and the playoffs, Elliott sees the upcoming race as a major test for his team. Let’s take a deep dive into his recent performances, strategic mindset, and what’s at stake in this weekend’s Pennzoil 400.

Reflecting on the 2024 Season: A Year of Near Misses

Last season, Elliott was one of the most consistent drivers on the circuit, racking up multiple top-10 finishes and showcasing his ability to contend with NASCAR’s best. However, his season took a heartbreaking turn during the Las Vegas race in the Round of 8, where he was caught in an early wreck and finished a disappointing 33rd place.

That crash proved costly. While Elliott rebounded with strong performances in the final five races, his early elimination from championship contention meant he was forced to watch from the sidelines as the Championship 4 battled for the title.

“I thought we were starting to do a really good job toward the end of last season,” Elliott admitted. “We were leading some laps in the closing weeks when everybody was at their best. Unfortunately, we were a little too late to the party.”

His remarks highlight the importance of gaining momentum earlier in the season—something he’s prioritizing in 2025.

Starting 2025 on a Strong Note

Despite the setbacks of last season, Elliott entered 2025 with renewed determination. He wasted no time making an impact, securing a victory at The Clash, NASCAR’s annual preseason exhibition race.

The win at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, set the tone for Elliott’s season and proved that his team has the speed and strategy to compete at the highest level.

“I’ve been really happy with our start to the year,” Elliott said. “We’ve had good performances, not necessarily the best results, but I’ve been really happy with our execution as a team.”

Elliott currently sits fifth in the NASCAR Cup Series point standings, with two top-10 finishes and an average finish of 12.3 through the early part of the season.

As he prepares for the Pennzoil 400, Elliott is focused on positioning himself well during practice and qualifying—two key factors that could determine his success on race day.

Why the Pennzoil 400 is a Crucial Benchmark

Las Vegas Motor Speedway presents a unique challenge for drivers. While it’s classified as an intermediate track, its high grip levels and aging surface require teams to fine-tune their setups to maintain long-run speed.

For Elliott, the Pennzoil 400 isn’t just another race—it’s a key measuring stick for how well his team stacks up against the competition.

“You’ll be able to give yourself a true grade on where you stack up, how things are going, what your strong suits are, if you have any, where your weak spots are, and go from there,” he explained.

Why does this race matter so much? Because Las Vegas will reappear in the playoffs as the Round of 8 opener in October. If Elliott and his team can gather valuable data and race experience now, they’ll have a major advantage when the championship battle intensifies later in the season.

Elliott’s Strategy: Aggression and Consistency

One of Elliott’s biggest takeaways from last season was that early-season success matters more than ever. The NASCAR Cup Series is more competitive than ever, and drivers can’t afford to ease into the season anymore.

“You always try to have a little bit in the tank for the last 10 (races), but we’re in a world from a competition standpoint now where you really have to start at race one taking advantage of opportunities,” Elliott said.

This aggressive approach means:

✔ Maximizing every race weekend—from practice and qualifying to final race execution.

✔ Avoiding costly mistakes—staying out of wrecks and finishing strong every week.

✔ Racking up stage points—which could make the difference between making the playoffs or missing out.

As the season transitions to more intermediate tracks like Las Vegas, Elliott believes this is where his team’s true potential will be revealed.

Hendrick Motorsports: A Legacy of Dominance

Elliott’s team, Hendrick Motorsports, is one of the most successful organizations in NASCAR history. With teammates like William Byron, Kyle Larson, and Alex Bowman, Hendrick remains a powerhouse in the Cup Series.

The return of Amazon Prime as a major sponsor for the No. 9 car has also strengthened the team’s resources, allowing Elliott to have top-tier equipment heading into crucial races like Las Vegas.

With multiple Hendrick drivers already showing speed in 2025, there’s a strong chance Elliott could add to his team’s dominance this weekend.

Fan Support: A Driving Force for Elliott

Chase Elliott is not just a great driver—he’s a fan favorite.

He has won NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver Award for seven consecutive years, proving that he has one of the most loyal fanbases in the sport.

This unwavering support fuels his desire to perform at the highest level, and Elliott is well aware of how much his fans contribute to his success.

His ability to engage with supporters, both at the track and through social media, has made him a beloved figure in NASCAR. As he takes on the Pennzoil 400, his fans will be watching closely, cheering him on every lap.

Looking Ahead: The Road to the NASCAR Playoffs

The 2025 season is still young, but every race matters. Elliott understands that a strong result in Las Vegas could set the stage for a successful championship campaign.

His primary goals for this weekend:

✔ Qualify well to secure track position early.

✔ Stay out of trouble and avoid wrecks.

✔ Capitalize on long-run speed to remain competitive in the final laps.

If he can accomplish these objectives, there’s a strong chance Elliott could find himself in Victory Lane and solidify his place as a title contender.

Final Thoughts: Chase Elliott’s Championship Mindset

Chase Elliott’s journey in NASCAR has been defined by resilience, strategy, and pure talent.

After a frustrating playoff exit in 2024, he’s now laser-focused on building momentum early and making a statement in 2025.

The Pennzoil 400 is more than just another race—it’s a crucial checkpoint in his season-long quest for a second NASCAR Cup Series championship.

Will Elliott deliver a standout performance in Las Vegas? Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, knowing that every lap counts in his pursuit of NASCAR greatness.

Stay tuned for race updates, results, and analysis as Chase Elliott takes on the Pennzoil 400!