Looking Forward to the 2025 NASCAR Season. Will Chase Elliott Make a Breakout After Ambetter Health 400 Shock

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons in recent history. With teams fine-tuning their strategies, new driver rivalries emerging, and manufacturers pushing for technological advancements, fans are eagerly anticipating the battles ahead. One of the most talked-about storylines heading into the season revolves around Chase Elliott, the 2020 Cup Series champion, and his potential resurgence after a shocking performance at the Ambetter Health 400.

Elliott has long been considered one of NASCAR’s brightest stars. With his natural talent, strategic mindset, and deep-rooted connection to the sport—thanks to his father, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott—he has been a dominant force in stock car racing. However, in recent seasons, inconsistency, injuries, and a shifting NASCAR landscape have kept him from returning to the championship-winning form he once showcased.

Following the Ambetter Health 400, where a late-race incident derailed his efforts, many are wondering: Is this the year Chase Elliott finally stages a breakthrough comeback?

Breaking Down the Ambetter Health 400 Shock

The Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway was supposed to be a pivotal moment for Elliott. Racing in his home state of Georgia, with thousands of loyal fans cheering him on, was the perfect setting for a much-needed confidence boost. However, things did not go according to plan.

What Went Wrong?

While Elliott started the weekend with high hopes, the race took an unexpected turn. Some key factors that contributed to his disappointing result include:

• A Crucial Late-Race Mistake: Whether it was an aggressive move gone wrong or a miscalculation during a restart, Elliott found himself in trouble in the closing laps. This cost him valuable points and raised questions about his decision-making under pressure.
• Mechanical Issues: NASCAR is as much about the car as it is about the driver. If Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro had reliability issues during the race, it could indicate larger concerns for Hendrick Motorsports heading into the season.
• A Collision or On-Track Incident: NASCAR is known for its intense battles, and rivalries can heat up at any moment. Did Elliott get caught up in another driver’s mistake? Or was it an unavoidable racing incident?

Regardless of the specifics, the outcome was the same—Elliott left Atlanta without the result he was hoping for, making his 2025 championship campaign even more of an uphill battle.

Can Chase Elliott return to dominance in 2025?

Despite recent struggles, Chase Elliott has the experience and skill to turn things around. If he wants to reclaim his place among NASCAR’s elite, here’s what needs to happen:

1. Rebuilding Confidence

Confidence is everything in racing. After a tough season in 2024 and the disappointing result at Atlanta, Elliott needs to regain his mental edge. The best way to do that? Winning early in the season.

If Elliott can secure a victory within the first few races—perhaps at Las Vegas, Phoenix, or even at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), where he has excelled in road courses—his momentum could carry him forward.

2. Mastering NASCAR’s Next-Gen Cars

Since the introduction of the Next-Gen cars in 2022, NASCAR has seen a major shift in how teams approach race setups and strategy. While some drivers adapted quickly—such as Joey Logano, Kyle Larson, and William Byron—others, including Elliott, have faced an adjustment period.

To compete at the highest level, Elliott and his crew chief, Alan Gustafson, must refine their understanding of the car’s aerodynamics, tire wear, and handling characteristics. If they can unlock the perfect setup, Elliott will be in a prime position to challenge for wins.

3. A More Aggressive Racing Approach

Over the past few seasons, Elliott has built a reputation as a clean, calculated driver. While this has earned him respect, it has also raised concerns that he might not be aggressive enough in crucial moments.

Compare this to drivers like Ross Chastain, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Busch, who aren’t afraid to ruffle feathers. If Elliott wants to make a statement in 2025, he may need to take a page from their playbook and adopt a more aggressive on-track approach—especially in playoff races.

4. Stronger Short-Track & Superspeedway Performances

One of the biggest areas for improvement is short-track racing. While Elliott has excelled on road courses, his performances at Bristol, Martinsville, and Richmond have been inconsistent. These tracks often decide playoff positions, meaning Elliott needs to improve his results here to stay in the title hunt.

Additionally, superspeedways like Talladega and Daytona are always unpredictable, but Elliott must put himself in a position to survive the chaos and capitalize when opportunities arise.

The Rivalries Heating Up in 2025

Beyond his own team’s challenges, Chase Elliott faces a field of hungry competitors who are also chasing championship glory. Some of his biggest threats include:

• Kyle Larson (Hendrick Motorsports) His own teammate has been a dominant force in NASCAR, securing multiple wins each season. Can Elliott outperform him within the same team?
• Ryan Blaney (Team Penske): The defending 2023 Cup Series Champion is at the peak of his career and looks poised for another strong season.
• Denny Hamlin (Joe Gibbs Racing) A veteran who is still searching for his first title, Hamlin will be one of Elliott’s toughest challengers.
• Christopher Bell & Ty Gibbs (Joe Gibbs Racing) These young Toyota drivers are rising fast and could give Elliott serious competition.
• Ross Chastain (Trackhouse Racing) Known for his aggressive, no-holds-barred driving style, Chastain could be a constant thorn in Elliott’s side.

With this level of competition, Elliott will need to bring his A-game if he wants to return to the top.

Can Chase Elliott win the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship?

While there are several unknowns heading into the season, one thing is clear: Chase Elliott is still one of NASCAR’s most talented drivers. He has the experience, the team, and the determination to be a title contender. However, whether or not he can execute when it matters most remains to be seen.

Best-Case Scenario for Elliott:

• He wins early in the season, builds momentum, and secures a playoff spot with multiple victories.
• Hendrick Motorsports delivers consistently fast cars.
• He avoids late-race mistakes and adopts a more aggressive racing style.
• He dominates at road courses while improving on short tracks.

Worst-Case Scenario for Elliott:

• Continued struggles with consistency leave him fighting just to make the playoffs.
• Mechanical issues and bad strategy cost him valuable points.
• A lack of wins forces him to rely on points to advance in the playoffs, making his championship hopes slim.

Final Thoughts: A Defining Season for Chase Elliott

The 2025 season will be a defining moment in Chase Elliott’s career. After facing setbacks in 2023 and 2024, the expectations for him to deliver are higher than ever. His performance at the Ambetter Health 400 was a wake-up call—now it’s up to him and his team to respond.

If Elliott can rise to the occasion, silence the doubters, and reclaim his place among NASCAR’s elite, 2025 could be the year he wins his second Cup Series championship. But if the struggles continue, the questions about his long-term future as a top-tier driver will only grow louder.

Will Chase Elliott make his long-awaited breakout and return to championship glory? NASCAR fans won’t have to wait long to find out.