Chase Elliott looking to improve on last season, talks Martinsville

Chase Elliott pilots his No. 9 NAPA Chevrolet around Martinsville Speedway in March 2019. Photo: James Jackson | The Racing Experts

RIDGEWAY, Va. — To many, Martinsville was the race that saw the passing of the torch from Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Chase Elliott in terms of NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver. Chase Elliott has had his fair share of ups and downs at Martinsville, including making his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series debut at the historic speedway.

“It’s a tough place, easy place to get out of your rhythm,” Elliott said about Martinsville. “If your car is driving well, it’s really nice. I guess it really matters how good your car is driving and how good it turns.”

Elliott returns to Martinsville with three career wins under his belt, however he still wants to improve on last years results and capture that elusive Martinsville victory.

“I think you’re about as good as what you have going on in the current moment,” the driver of the No. 9 NAPA Chevrolet said. “Kansas (site of last victory) was a long time ago now, and we need to do better. Like I said, you’re as good as you’ve done lately and we have some work to do right now”

NASCAR’s Cup Series has three short tracks in the next four weeks, and Elliott is looking forward to two of them more than any other track the series visits.

“I think first and foremost, in the places that are upcoming, I would say here (Martinsville) and Bristol is two places I’m more excited about than others.”