After being postponed for a day due to rain, the NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway was ripe with anticipation. Given its status as the longest race in the NASCAR schedule, a moment of chaos was almost inevitable. This turmoil did indeed materialize when Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott collided with Denny Hamlin.
Following this collision, an irate Hamlin expressed his frustration with Elliott to the press. He referred to the previous year’s incident between Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson, insisting on similar repercussions for Elliott. In essence, he demanded that NASCAR enforce the same disciplinary actions against Elliott as it had against Wallace after his and Larson’s collision in Las Vegas.
Denny Hamlin seeks Bubba Wallace-style treatment after being wrecked
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Shortly after disembarking from his car, Hamlin took the opportunity to address the media. He used the platform to express his disgruntlement, stating, “It’s a tantrum and he shouldn’t be racing next week. Right rear hooks are absolutely unacceptable.”
Adding, “I don’t care, it’s the same thing Bubba Wallace did with Kyle Larson. The exact same. He shouldn’t be racing. It’s a tantrum.”
Furthermore, according to Davey Segal of Sirius XM NASCAR, “@CG1751 (Chris Gabehart) says it was intentional and exactly what Bubba did to Larson last year at Las Vegas.” Gaberhart is the crew chief for Denny Hamlin and he believed that the wreck had been an intentional move on Elliott’s part.
"It's a tantrum and [Chase Elliott] shouldn't be racing next week."- Denny Hamlin pic.twitter.com/y8xARpdU5O
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 29, 2023
However, on the other side, Elliott did not agree with the claim that the incident was intentional in nature.
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Chase Elliott denies claims of retaliation against Hamlin
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Once Elliott safely exited his vehicle, he faced the media’s inquiries. He was confronted with Hamlin’s insinuations that the collision was an act of retaliation. However, Elliott vehemently denied such allegations. Instead, he presented his own account of the incident, dismissing any suggestions of deliberate misconduct.
Responding to the media, Elliott stated, “Nah … Like I said, once you hit the wall in these things you can’t drive them anymore. So unfortunately not, no. Just an unfortunate circumstance.”
Moreover, Elliott had apparently had a conversation with his crew chief over the radio, where had stated, “Ran over us twice in the last 4 laps. Did I miss something there?”
From Hamlin’s viewpoint, it appears as though Elliott may have intentionally caused the wreck, mirroring the incident from the previous year when Wallace’s right rear hooked Larson at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Despite this, Elliott ended the debate by asserting that his actions were not intentional.
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Chase Elliott on if he retaliated on Denny Hamlin: “Unfortunately not, no.” pic.twitter.com/vdH8TkCYqv
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthewCFB) May 29, 2023
However, given NASCAR’s history of handling drivers who confess to purposeful collisions, one can’t help but wonder if Elliott indeed acted deliberately. At present, both drivers seem to present convincing arguments from their individual standpoints.
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The outcome of this rivalry between the two remains uncertain. What’s your take on this situation? Do you believe it was a purposeful act or just a racing incident? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.