Chase Elliott’s Replacement at COTA Exposes the Dark Side of NASCAR Drivers’ Mentality Costing Him Big Time on Debut – “Someone Uses You Up, You Use Them Back”

Denny Hamlin was recently penalized with a $50,000 fine for admitting to intentionally wrecking Ross Chastain, while Kyle Busch made it to the headlines for discussing the lack of respect among drivers. But now with a NASCAR debutant’s insight from ground zero, it seems like it’s true that the on-track driver dynamics in NASCAR are nothing like any other sport.

Battling back through a bad shuffle of pit strategy, multiple car contacts, and an on-track collision, Hendrick Motorsports driver Jordan Taylor survived his first Cup race at COTA on Sunday. Admitting that it was an intense debut experience, Chase Elliott’s substitute, Jordan Taylor shared in a post-race interview, “Yeah honestly, I’ve never seen anything like that in my whole life.”

“I mean if someone came over to the sports car site and did that they would be like ejected out of the race immediately. So, for me I should have probably expected that before watching years past. But I think when you’re actually in the car, getting smashed around, it’s a much different experience.”

Jordan Taylor reveals how he wasn’t expecting to be ‘used’ at COTA

Furthermore, during the conversation, the four-time time International Motor Sports Association champion talked about how NASCAR drivers on the track don’t shy away from ‘using’ up someone.

Taylor said, “I think even when you’re 29, battling for 29th position, they don’t care. They’ll go for 28 and just use you up. So, just a different form of racing that I guess I wasn’t used to and probably should have expected. But yeah, it’s still cool to get my first Cup race debut. Yeah, just wish it would have been a little bit better.”

Moreover, Taylor revealed that he was shocked to see that his car made it through the entire race even after making ‘crazy contact’ throughout. When asked if he would like to share his views on the ongoing ‘lack of respect’ debate, Taylor stated, “I mean I don’t know. This is my first time so I’m probably the wrong guy to ask.”

“The cars are so strong like I honestly don’t know how my car made it through the whole race with how much crazy contact I had. I’ve never had so many big hits in my life and kept driving thinking the car was fine.

So, I’m not sure how they do it. It’s just a respect thing on track and I think they’ve just developed it over the years and they’re all used to it. I think if someone uses you up, you use them back and they kind of take every inch they want.”

READ MORE: “It Is a Shame” – Denny Hamlin Doubles Down on Kyle Busch’s “Respect in the Garage” Admission, Deeming the Former JGR Teammate as “Fairest”

Jordan Taylor’s reply on doing it all again

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So does this mean that this was it for Jordan Taylor in Cup? Maybe not. When asked if he would consider coming back for another Cup series race, Taylor did not sound like he was ready to give up yet. Furthermore, the Chase Elliott substitute also revealed that he would be more careful the next time.

He shared, “I mean I would love another shot. Just kind of having this experience, I might get to more padding in my helmet and my arms and my wrists. But yeah, definitely a lot to take in this weekend.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Bubba Wallace Hilariously Reacts to “R&D” Claim After Outrunning Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin at COTA

Well, it’s clear that although it was a bit wild for Taylor, Sunday’s Cup race was not able to deter the 31-year-old from trying it all again. Not, it would be interesting to see if Taylor would be used or use someone the next time he is on the Cup Series track.