NASCAR: 2018 Hendrick Motorsports outlook

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 11: Team owner, Rick Hendrick, Alex Bowman, driver of the #88 Nationwide Chevrolet, Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's for Pros Chevrolet, and Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, stand on the grid during qualifying for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 11, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images) /

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 16: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) /

Chase Elliott

Chase Elliott’s 2017 campaign garnered him the heir to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s reign as the most popular driver in NASCAR, but his first win still eludes him.

Elliott being unable to close the deal didn’t come without many opportunities throughout last season, however. Even without a win, he was still able to fight his way into the playoffs and make it into the round of 8 with only a cheap shot from Denny Hamlin at Martinsville standing in his way of the Championship 4.

We’re at the point now where it’s not a matter of if he’ll win in 2018, but simply when. Every time Chase Elliott shows up to the race track, he’ll be the favorite, and that’s how it’s expected to be for the driver who many consider the next great driver of this era and the leader of this youth movement.

Elliott is the favorite of many to even win the championship in 2018. I’d prefer to see him win a race first, but I won’t ignore how close he came last year to compete for the championship even without winning.

This season could very well be that next step.

I obviously expect a win — honestly multiple wins — and a deep playoff run for Elliott. Him qualifying for the Championship 4 is almost certain. If nothing else, it will be a taste of Elliott’s potential.

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