Chase Elliott is off to a scorching start in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, and fans of the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports team have every reason to be excited. With two wins already under his belt—including a dominant performance at Texas—Elliott is proving that this year could be something special.

For a driver known for taking his time to heat up, this early surge is a major departure from the norm. Over his 11-year Cup Series career, Elliott has often been a slow starter. In his championship-winning 2020 season, he didn't secure his first win until the 22nd race. In 2022, he waited until May at Dover to visit Victory Lane. And last year, his first win came in June at Atlanta. Now, just a handful of races into the season, he's already matched his total win count from 2023.

"We've never won a race this early, much less to now have two this early in the year," Elliott said after his Texas victory. "I'm really proud of that, and I'm proud of our team for that. Anytime you can check off new boxes in this sport when you've been doing it for 10-plus years is cool, and it's hard to do."

What's behind this fast start? Elliott credits the relentless work ethic of his Hendrick Motorsports crew. "I don't know that a lot of people understand just how important that is to the overall performance, but it is a huge piece," he explained. "We have a gritty group back home that doesn't take no for an answer. They'll work and work and work. Whatever has got to be done, get done. Friday, Saturday, midnight, 2:00, whatever. They want to win, and the boss wants to win."

With four top-10 finishes in the last five races and sitting third in the points standings, Elliott is in prime position to chase win number three. Next up is Watkins Glen, a road course where Elliott has historically shined. He's won seven road-course races in his career—third all-time—and has two victories at the Glen specifically. He's also tied for the most top-five road-course finishes among active drivers.

For fans looking to channel some of that championship energy, now is the perfect time to gear up in Elliott's signature look. Whether you're at the track or watching from home, the No. 9's early-season momentum is a reminder that sometimes, the best things come to those who work hard—and start fast.