By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
The start to the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season has not been what one would have hoped for Hendrick Motorsports.
Between Chase Elliott, Jimmie Johnson, William Byron and Alex Bowman, Elliott posted the organization’s best finish of third at ISM Raceway.
Some would say the slump for Hendrick Motorsports is learning the nuisances of the new Camaro ZL1, while some say it is the youthfulness of the organization. Despite the rough start, Elliott believes the organization is heading in the right direction.
“I think we are obviously not where we want to be first and foremost,” Elliott stated. “I’m not going to lie about it and say that I think everything is perfect. It’s never perfect, but I think Phoenix was a good race for us, Jimmie (Johnson) ran pretty well at Fontana, so I feel like there has been some light here and there, we just have to figure out what it takes for all of us to have that success. Or for all of us to be solid and to do it on a consistent basis, so I have been very pleased with our team.”
Elliott believes that his No. 9 team has been making the most of what has been brought to the track. The performance has not deflated the mindset of the 22 years old and his crew chief, Alan Gustafson.
“I’m not deflated personally, I think that our team and myself and Alan have a very similar mindset with where things are at and we are just trying to make the most of what you can week-in and week-out,” continued Elliott.
“I think that I know that he can build a racecar and come to the racetrack that is capable of winning and I think that he believes in me enough to know that I can come and compete with guys to win races. I think as long as that trust is there then the rest of it, it may take time or it may not, but I think as long as that understanding is there it will all work out.”