Chase Elliott Signals Major Playoff Threat to Rivals With Resurgent Las Vegas Qualifying
Chase Elliott's road to the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs has been a rollercoaster. After a nail-biting win at Kansas, he scraped through the Round of 12 at Charlotte with a 14-point deficit from the cutline. But Las Vegas could be the turning point he needs. Elliott's qualifying performance there was nothing short of impressive, securing him a strong fourth starting spot.
The Strategy: Shut Out the Noise
Elliott's strategy was clear: focus on himself, not the noise. In a media session, he emphasized his commitment to his own performance, saying, 'I have enough going on on my own. So for me, it’s just all about trying to maximize the things that I can do.' This mindset shift was evident in his qualifying lap, which was just 0.036 seconds behind the pole-winning time.
The Numbers Don't Lie
Despite his strong showing, Elliott's history at Las Vegas is less than stellar. He's never won a race there, and his best finish was second place in 2021. In his last five starts, he's finished outside the top 10 three times. However, his qualifying performance could be a sign of things to come.
A Potential Turning Point
Elliott's qualifying effort is a potential turning point. Since the Next Gen era began, he's never started higher than fifth at Las Vegas. His average starting position over the last five races is a lowly 20th. This strong start gives him a fighting chance, and he'll need it. To advance to the next playoff round, he must either win at Las Vegas or perform consistently at Talladega and Martinsville.
The Pressure is On
The pressure is immense, but Elliott's qualifying effort suggests he's ready for the challenge. Despite his past disappointments at this track, his strong start gives him a fighting chance. Will he be able to turn this qualifying performance into a playoff victory? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Elliott is a force to be reckoned with in the NASCAR Cup Series.
