By Reuters Staff 8 Min Read Chase Elliott may be the defending champion in the NASCAR Cup Series, but protecting his status isn’t remotely close to his focal point entering the 2021 season. FILE PHOTO: Nov 1, 2020; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott (9) celebrates winning the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports “There is no defending,” Elliott said Monday during a video conference with reporters. “We need to be on offense. We need to keep pushing. I think if you’re back on your heels and trying to protect something, I don’t think your mind is in the right place.