NASCAR is dynamic and has an ever-changing landscape, making drivers constantly adapt to new circumstances and the sport’s challenges. However, when 2020 Cup series champion, Chase Elliott made a bold claim about feeling unfazed by recent changes ahead of his home race, fans were quick to voice their skepticism.
The Hendrick motorsport ace currently ranks at the 24th position in the driver’s standings, has had a less than stellar year this season which can be majorly attributed to the penalties dolled out and his injury that led him to miss several races this year. However, considering his previous performance last year on his home turf where Elliott managed to secure a position in the victory lane, it’s not difficult to see why he would downplay any concerns ahead of the race.
Chase Elliott makes bold claim ahead of the Home Race
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In a tweet shared by NASCAR Journalist Bob Pockrass, which featured a clip of the Hendrick Motorsport driver, Elliott can be heard saying, “No, I don’t really feel any different honestly going into it, I think you know yes I missed, I missed the event but I didn’t get to run Talladega you know shortly after I got back which is another speedway event, not the same but similar and in a lot of ways, I don’t feel behind at all personally going into this weekend.”
Chase Elliott says he doesn’t feel behind going into Atlanta even though he missed the race in March. He explains: pic.twitter.com/GttE6Ekrrg
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 6, 2023
Elliott’s comment came as a surprise to many, especially after his confession last week at NASCAR’s debut street race in Chicago where the Hendrick Motorsport driver admitted to “not being good enough.” This was after the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro driver crashed out in qualifying, diminishing his hopes of making it to this season’s playoffs. The championship series winner rookie’s remark suggested that he did not consider the changes to the Atlanta track to be a significant disadvantage. This has made him seem confident in his abilities and downplayed any potential impact from missing a previous race.
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“He has no fire” – Fans question Elliott’s legitimacy following recent remarks
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Chase Elliott’s comments sparked mixed reactions among fans, with many expressing skepticism regarding Elliott’s claim.
One fan responded, “He’s behind for sure, not the same Atlanta he raced at last year,” disputing his claims with examples of his recent performance after returning back from his injury.
Another fan expressed a different perspective, saying, “I mean, dude races for the best team in NASCAR, why would he be worried?”, a viewpoint emphasizing the expectation that elite drivers like Elliott, should consistently perform at a high level.
Chase Elliott says he doesn’t feel behind going into Atlanta even though he missed the race in March. He explains: pic.twitter.com/GttE6Ekrrg
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 6, 2023
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A critical fan remarked, “Is he racing this weekend? Misses a lot of races lately. Calling the “Part-time drivers shouldn’t be playoff eligible.” While Elliott’s recent absence from races influenced this particular fan’s perception, it also raises broader questions about eligibility criteria for the playoffs and the expectations placed on full-time drivers.
One fan comment that gained the most attention, was, “Is it just me or does Chase seem burnt out?? He has no fire this season at all…” This remark certainly highlights a growing concern among the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Champion’s fans about his performance and lack of intensity.
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As the NASCAR season progresses and the Atlanta race weekend nears, fans are thrilled to see whether Elliott can prove his doubters wrong and reignite the fire that led him to previous successes.
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