Chase Elliott, the 2020 Cup Series champion with five wins that year, holds seventh in the playoff standings thanks to his sole victory at Atlanta’s Quaker State 400 in June. Arguably the most fan-favorite driver, he’s stayed consistent this season with 13 top-10 finishes. His P10 at Daytona’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 kept that streak alive. But as playoffs loom, is his 2025 profile so far enough to help him sail through?

The playoff phase starts at Darlington’s Cook Out Southern 500 and tightens the pressure even more. Its abrasive surface and tactical short-track racing will expose whether he’s a favorite or a driver who needs late-season sparks; his handling of this phase will set the tone. Yet questions linger on ramping up aggression, and whether he will be able to push through with his c

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