“Nothing’s Changed”: Cornered Chase Elliott Sees No Choice as Fans Give Up After Michigan Misfortune

Hendrick Motorsports would surely want to put a big chunk of their 2023 Cup campaign behind them and bury it. Although the versatile Kyle Larson and this year’s revelation William Byron seem to have locked themselves for the post-season, however, that does not suffice for the team to rejoice as the two of its drivers, Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman, are yet to secure their berths in playoffs, and they are falling further with each race.

Coming into Michigan, both drivers were keen to show their prowess to the best of their capabilities. However, for Chase Elliott, entering the playoffs now seems to be a soi-distant dream. Especially after the incident on lap 34.

The car, not the driver: Chase Elliott holds his chin up even after calling it quits in Michigan

The 2023 Cup Series season seems to be unforgiving for the poster boy of NASCAR. After struggling with a broken tibia and also a one-race suspension, the 2020 Cup Series champion has surely tried to put his best foot forward and cling on to the last straws, in order to seize a berth for the post-season. However, it is evident that dreams seem to float away from the grasp of the driver, especially after an unfortunate turn of events in Michigan.

The race on Sunday was surely a tough nut to crack for a majority of the drivers, as quite a few wrecked themselves and had to retire prematurely from the track and which included the likes of Kyle Busch and Chase Elliott. The Hendrick Motorsports driver assuredly tried to maintain his position on the track after starting the race in the top 10. However, the hopes were short-lived as the #9 Chevrolet Camaro came spinning down the track and then crashing into the outside wall of the 2-mile-long track, before returning back to the pit lane and eventually to the garage.

The incident occurred in Stage 1 at Lap 34, when the right rear of the car gave away. This resulted in the car getting spun on the track and eventually crashing into the outside wall. The driver had to call it a day, after sustaining heavy damages. Nevertheless, Elliott has kept his chin up and is hopeful that he will be able to change the current narrative.

This was evident in the post-race interview when Elliott expressed, “Tire blowing up like that was really weird. Bummer, but not surprised.” He also added, “Obviously we stayed out, no I don’t even feel like that I was hard on it.”

When asked about his playoff hopes, the driver replied, “We can get back so, nothing has changed.”

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Fans express their sentiments as Elliott’s playoff bubble bursts

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Although the #9 Chevrolet driver seems to have kept his hopes up, fans on the contrary have completely given up on the hopes of seeing their favorite driver in the post-season. They commented on Twitter heaving their disappointment.

They wrote, “Oh no…our playoff hopes….they’re broken.”

“Damn bro, what a ride.”

“Elliott s entire season a bust.”

Someone wrote, “Great 2 of my fantasy drivers out already,” while others were more hopeful, given Elliott’s proven track record in road courses,“Dang! Looking forward to Watkins Glen!”

Though there are still three races are still on the calendar of the regular season, it is yet to be seen is the 2020 Cup Series champion rebounds and is able to notch a victory to glide to the playoffs.

Read More: “Doesn’t Look Like We’re Good” – Kyle Larson Takes a Jab at Hendrick Motorsports, Defending Chase Elliott