Chase Elliott, one of NASCAR’s most prominent drivers, recently opened up about the intense pressure of the 2024 playoffs and how the high-stakes “win-or-go-home” scenario brought out the best in his team. Elliott’s reflections provide insight into what it takes to perform under the playoff system’s unforgiving format, which demands precision, focus, and resilience.
The High-Stakes 2024 Playoffs
Elliott entered the 2024 NASCAR playoffs with a sense of determination, knowing that his team would need to deliver when it mattered most. With the elimination-style format tightening the margin for error, Elliott’s No. 9 team faced multiple must-win situations to stay in championship contention.
“The playoffs are designed to challenge you at every level,” Elliott said. “Every race, every lap, every pit stop counts, and when you’re in a win-or-go-home situation, you can’t afford to have an off day. That kind of pressure is tough, but it’s also what makes this format so intense and rewarding.”
Stepping Up When It Mattered Most
For Elliott and his Hendrick Motorsports team, the playoffs demanded a collective effort to rise above adversity. Elliott highlighted how his team rallied during crucial moments to deliver standout performances under pressure.
“There’s something about knowing everything is on the line that sharpens your focus,” Elliott explained. “We all stepped up—whether it was the guys in the shop, the crew on pit road, or me behind the wheel. That’s what it takes to succeed in these moments.”
Elliott’s ability to rise to the occasion was evident in several key playoff races, including his dramatic victory at the Charlotte ROVAL. The win not only secured his place in the next round but also reignited his championship hopes.
“That win at Charlotte was huge for us,” Elliott said. “It reminded us what we’re capable of when we put it all together. Moments like that are why we race.”
A Team Effort
While Elliott’s skill behind the wheel has been a cornerstone of his success, he was quick to credit his team for their unwavering commitment during the playoffs. From strategy calls to pit crew execution, Elliott emphasized that every member of the No. 9 team played a role in their playoff push.
“I’ve always said this is a team sport, and the playoffs prove that more than anything,” Elliott said. “I’m fortunate to have a group of people who believe in what we’re doing and work so hard to give me the best chance to succeed.”
Learning from the Experience
Although Elliott ultimately fell short of capturing his second Cup Series title in 2024, he sees the experience as a building block for future success. The lessons learned from the pressure-packed moments of the playoffs will undoubtedly shape his approach moving forward.
“You have to embrace the challenges, even when things don’t go your way,” Elliott reflected. “This year showed us that we’re capable of competing at a high level when it matters most. Now it’s about putting all the pieces together and coming back stronger.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
With the 2024 season now in the rearview mirror, Elliott is already focused on preparing for 2025. As one of the sport’s top talents, he remains a perennial championship contender, and his playoff performance has only reinforced his determination to reclaim the title.
“Every season brings new opportunities, and I’m excited about what’s ahead,” Elliott said. “We’re going to keep working, keep improving, and hopefully put ourselves in a position to win another championship.”
For Chase Elliott, the 2024 playoffs were a testament to his team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure. While the ultimate goal remains a second Cup Series title, Elliott’s reflections make it clear that the journey itself has been equally valuable in shaping him as a driver and leader.
