After a series of setbacks, including a snowboarding injury and a recent NASCAR suspension, the absence of Chase Elliott, who is also dubbed the “Golden Boy,” has left a void in the renowned Hendrick Motorsports team’s #9 car. The decision to suspend Elliott triggered concerns among fans and industry insiders, although many acknowledged NASCAR’s consistent approach to its suspension policy. But as the dust was just settling upon this controversy, another one came up. This time, disappointment arose when a similar incident occurred between Austin Cindric and Austin Dillon during the Illinois 300, resulting in no penalties for either party. Some of Elliott’s loyal fans considered this a biased decision by NASCAR.
Nevertheless, Chase Elliott is gearing up for his highly anticipated comeback at the Toyota Save Mart 350, determined to put the recent events behind him.
In preparation for the Sonoma Raceway, the Golden Boy addressed his mindset, sharing insights into his resilience and shedding light on the events that transpired at Charlotte.
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Aftermath of the Controversial Suspension of Chase Elliott
After Chase Elliott’s one-race suspension, people expressed their disappointment. While some accepted the decision as consistent with NASCAR’s past actions, Elliott’s teammate and three-time race winner this season, William Byron, also commended NASCAR for its consistency. On the other hand, Elliott’s teammates Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman chose to remain silent and steer clear of controversy.
During a recent interview with Bob Pockrass, Byron stated, “You know, I think… I’m just glad that NASCAR’s you know consistent. I think that we’ve seen it in the past and in a little bit different circumstances but similar. So I think just being consistent is good and I hope I’m never in any of those positions to have to encounter that or be on the losing end of it. But yeah, it is what it is.”
Hendrick drivers react to a one-race suspension to Chase Elliott for right-rear hooking Denny Hamlin at Charlotte as well as Corey LaJoie replacing Elliott this weekend. pic.twitter.com/sfc096pqQB
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 3, 2023
Now, fans got to hear straight from the horse’s mouth when NASCAR posted a video on Twitter featuring Chase Elliott, where he discussed the ups and downs he has experienced throughout the season.
Elliott expressed his disappointment by saying, “Certainly is an unfortunate circumstance on many accounts and I hate that position that we’re in obviously it’s been a pretty wild year prior to last week or two weeks ago but yeah I hate that I put our team in and our partners and our fans and all the folks to make this go in and it’s tough a spot.”
He further addressed his feelings regarding NASCAR’s decision and looked forward to the Sonoma Raceway. He said, “I understand NASCAR’s call in what they feel like they need to do so I respect all that. And for me personally looking forward to getting back to work and just trying to get a groove because I don’t really feel like I’ve been in one throughout the year, it’s been kind of stop and go all season.”
Prior to his return this weekend, @chaseelliott reflects on what happened at Charlotte and how he's moving on from the penalty. pic.twitter.com/52NtOUdOdP
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 6, 2023
Read More: Chase Elliott’s Heartbreaking Revelation Highlights Why He Claims “I Do Such a Terrible Job”
NASCAR President Gave an Interesting Remark on Chase Elliott’s Suspension
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Before the whole Chase Elliott – Denny Hamlin debacle, last year Bubba Wallace was suspended for one race due to intentionally wrecking Kyle Larson in Las Vegas. NASCAR’s President, Steve Phelps, used this incident as an example and emphasized the importance of consistency in their decisions.
But interestingly, Phelps shared a comment on Saturday that indicated he didn’t want to suspend Elliott either.
During an interview with Fox NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass, Phelps stated, “It would be difficult to have a conversation with Denny [Hamlin] or Bubba [Wallace] or someone else and say, ‘Hey, it was not OK for Bubba to do it and it’s OK for Chase to do it… We hate it, but it’s a call we needed to make.”
Steve Phelps to me yesterday on suspending Elliott: “It would be difficult to have a conversation with Denny or Bubba or someone else and say, ‘Hey, it was not OK for Bubba to do it and it's OK for Chase to do it. … We hate it but it's a call we needed to make.”
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 4, 2023
Chase Elliott needs to secure at least one win in the upcoming races if he wants to secure his position for the playoffs. What are your thoughts? Do you believe he will be able to achieve a win? Also, do you agree with Chase Elliott’s suspension? Share your comments below.
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