Following back-to-back wins in the Nationwide Series, discussions surrounding Chase Elliott have been about when he should move to the Sprint Cup Series.Some have said that he will be in Sprint Cup next year, while others have said that he should wait till 2016.
Before Elliott even jumped behind the wheel of the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, some were predicting that he is the driver picked to take over Jeff Gordon’s ride when Gordon chooses to retire.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. was asked on twitter this week and said Elliott should wait till 2016 while running a limited Cup schedule in 2015.
“@aaronmorris44: @DaleJr When do you think Chase Elliot should be moved up?” 2 years in NW. Limit of 5 cup races max next year. IMO
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) April 22, 2014
While everyone keeps talking about, Elliott says that he’s not worried about it but rather making the most of the current opportunity that he has with JR Motorsports.
“That’s up to Mr. Hendrick or whoever is there to make that decision,” Elliott added. “I’ll be glad to do whatever they tell me but I’ve been told to do what I’m doing right now and focus on the Nationwide deal so that’s what I’m going to do. If I can do my job now, the future will figure itself out.”
Elliott went on to say that he’s focused on each track, each week, and not the bigger picture, as you cannot let yourself get caught up in the hype.
“I’ve said this before – just because we ran good at Texas didn’t mean we’d run good at Darlington or here tomorrow night so I think it’s irrelevant,” he explained. “All these race tracks that we’re going to our different. There’s definitely positives – it’s good for the moral of your team and the guys at the shop. It was good to have two good weeks back-to-back, but each week is so different that you have to take it at a week a time.”
This weekend, Elliott’s job in the Nationwide Series leads him to Richmond International Raceway as he searches for his third straight win in a row.
“Last time I was here was in a K&N race two years ago so pretty big difference between those two cars but I hope we can make the right guesses for tomorrow night,” he commented. “I think it’s a neat race track and it always seem to put on a good show so hopefully we can be a part of the good guys tomorrow night.”
Elliott ran the most laps of any driver during Thursday’s practice, timing in fifth quickest in final practice.
“I think running laps is a good thing as it simulates a little bit more what you’re going to see in the race,” Elliott commented. “You’re not going to make five, six lap runs in the race; you’re going to be making 50, 60, 100 lap runs so I feel like trying to simulate that the best I can will be beneficial for us.”
