Chase Elliott really likes the new Chevy Camaro he’ll be driving this season

After coming ever so close to his first Cup Series victory in 2017, a new Chevy could be just what the doctor ordered for Chase Elliott to get over the hump.

Brad Keselowski, you’re not going to like this. As the most outspoken driver bemoaning the new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 we’ll be seeing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series in 2018, Brad K. has to be hoping that drivers like Chase Elliott won’t take to the car and be that little bit better than before.

Unfortunately for Ford and Toyota drivers, that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Elliott got his first chance to put the new Camaro through its paces during the first of a two-day tire test at Texas Motor Speedway. The Day 1 drivers were headlined by reigning Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr. and also included Ford drivers Ryan Blaney and Aric Almirola — both of whom just happen to be on new teams for 2018.

The most interesting car on the track, though, has to be Elliott’s new Chevy with his brand new number. Since cars aren’t exactly in a ton of traffic at a test like this, he seemed to want to keep expectations low while speaking to NASCAR.com.

"“Behind the wheel it’s really hard to tell what changes are when you are out there by yourself. I think the changes will probably become more apparent, hopefully, when we get to say Atlanta or get to some of the tracks that the changes are going to become important at. I think until we get into those situations and kind of get some races under our belt as not only an organization, but as a manufacturer as a whole to see exactly how we stack up, I think it will be tough to say until then.”"

Could he be sandbagging a little to hide the fact that he’s already head over heels in love with the new car? Maybe. But he also has a point that the drivers won’t really know what they’ve got until the first non-restrictor plate race of the NASCAR season.

One area in which Elliott was more effusive in praising the Camaro was in its pure visual appeal.

"“The car looks great. I don’t know from a manufacturer standpoint, from the public eyes standpoint, I don’t know how you could not identify the Camaro with the Camaro on the street. It looks the same. … I think job well done from that standpoint.”"

It would probably look even better to Elliott if it landed him in Victory Lane. The 22-year-old Hendrick Motorsports driver finished runner-up five times in 2017 and saw his first career Cup Series victory slip through his fingers on a few other occasions. The Camaro could be just the extra boost he needs to make that initial win a reality.

Next: Chad Knaus lauds "re-dedicated" Jimmie Johnson

And don’t worry, Mr. Keselowki. Toyota had its day in the sun last year, and Chevy might shine this season, but that means Ford is up next.