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NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott. Jamie Harms-Imagn Images

Concerning trend for Chase Elliott cannot be ignored

By Colby Colwell | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 11:35 PM ET

NASCAR's seven-time Most Popular Driver has accomplished a lot in his Cup Series career, including his 2020 championship.

Since Chase Elliott won his first Cup Series race in 2018 at Watkins Glen, he won at least two races each season through 2022. His 2023 season was abbreviated to only 29 races due to a one-race suspension and a snowboarding accident that kept him out of action for six events.

Since the injury, Elliott has not looked the same on the track. He only has one points-paying win, which came at Texas in April 2024. Aside from that, his only other victory came in The Clash exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium earlier this season.

You could also point out his struggles in the NextGen Car since its inception in 2022 as well. Nonetheless, there is another area that poses some concern to Elliott in 2025.

According to Auto Racing Analytics, Elliott ranks 32nd of the 36 full-time Cup Series drivers in net positions lost on restarts (-31) and 33rd in retention rate (56.3%).

Current Drivers with the Worst Restart Numbers in the Cup Series

Some of these I really think it's okay to have patience with, but there's at least one on here I think it's time to have a real conversation about. What stands out to you? pic.twitter.com/IHLh5vuCGr
— Auto Racing Analytics (@AR_Analytics) June 4, 2025

Simply put, Elliott is losing several spots on restarts and has been unable to maintain his position when the field is bunched up. For comparison, Cody Ware (No. 51), John Hunter Nemechek (No. 42), Shane van Gisbergen (No. 88) and Erik Jones (No. 43) are all 22nd or worse in points while Austin Cindric (No. 2) is 13th.

Elliott currently sits fifth in points, largely due to his consistent average finish of 11.5 and zero DNFs. His 76 laps led are far below what teammates William Byron (670) and Kyle Larson (851) have accomplished so far.

He has fewer top-10s (seven) than Larson has top-fives (eight) and zero playoff points to Larson's series-leading 23. That speaks to less time at the front and a lack of outright pace to contend for wins on a weekly basis at the moment.

That does not mean the issue cannot be resolved, given Elliott's past success and talent behind the wheel. Still, it poses some serious concern and is definitely something he must improve on if he is going to return to championship form once again.

It is not like he is running at the back as his points position shows, but he is clearly not the same that he was prior to the 2023 season. Considering the importance of restarts, Elliott must improve in that area if he is going to return to Victory Lane and be a legitimate championship contender.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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