Jeff Gordon and Chase Elliott Debrief After a Solid 4th-Place Finish at COTA

Chase Elliott may not have secured victory at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), but his fourth-place finish proved his resilience on one of NASCAR’s most challenging road courses. After the race, Elliott and NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon were spotted in a serious debrief, analyzing every aspect of the performance to fine-tune strategies for the upcoming events.

A Solid Performance, But Room for More

Elliott, a known road-course specialist, showcased his skill throughout the race. However, despite strong pace and strategic pit stops, he fell just short of the podium. The Hendrick Motorsports driver had moments where he looked capable of challenging for the win, but factors like tire management and late-race battles kept him from the top three.

Jeff Gordon, a four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and current Vice Chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, wasted no time in discussing improvements with Elliott. Their post-race conversation highlighted the importance of race craft, tire strategy, and potential adjustments that could give the No. 9 team an edge in future races.

What Went Right and What Needs to Improve

Elliott’s strong drive at COTA reinforced his reputation as one of NASCAR’s best road-course racers. He maintained consistency, avoided major mistakes, and executed clean overtakes. However, the car’s setup and tire degradation appeared to be limiting factors in his late-race charge.

Sources close to the team suggest that Gordon focused on refining Elliott’s approach to high-speed corners and braking zones—critical areas at COTA where tenths of a second can make a difference. With Gordon’s wealth of experience and Elliott’s natural talent, Hendrick Motorsports is working to ensure they capitalize on every opportunity in upcoming races.

Building Momentum for the Season

For Elliott and Hendrick Motorsports, the fourth-place finish is encouraging but not satisfying. With road courses playing a bigger role in the modern NASCAR schedule, fine-tuning their strategy is crucial.

Looking ahead, Elliott remains a strong contender in the championship hunt. His ability to adapt and learn from veterans like Gordon gives him an edge as he prepares for the next challenge. If this debrief at COTA is any indication, the No. 9 team is gearing up for bigger successes in the races to come.