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NORTH WILKESBORO, NC – MAY 21: Chase Elliott 9 Hendrick Motorsports NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet looks on during the running of the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series All-Star Race on May 21, 2023 at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, NC. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: MAY 21 NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2305212961
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NORTH WILKESBORO, NC – MAY 21: Chase Elliott 9 Hendrick Motorsports NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet looks on during the running of the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series All-Star Race on May 21, 2023 at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, NC. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: MAY 21 NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2305212961
The Chase Elliott suspension has stirred up some things in NASCAR. Following an intentional hook at Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin at the Coca-Cola 600, Elliott had to sit out last weekend’s race at Gateway. Already on a deficit of points caused by his injury earlier in the season, things have not looked good for Elliott recently.
The suspension has not only enforced the rules further, but it has also inspired recent shouts for Austin Cindric’s suspension after Sunday’s incident. While fans continue to debate on the righteousness of the decision, fellow drivers have had their say. Teammates at Hendrick Motorsports have spoken out about their feelings around the penalty.
William Byron shows satisfaction over Chase Elliott decision
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The dismissal of Elliott from the grid for Illinois has also turned out to be a blessing in disguise for some. The impending vacancy in the #9 Camaro will be taken up by Corey LaJoie, who looks to grab onto the opportunity. Fellow drivers at Hendrick Motorsports discuss the details at the camp, and elaborate on the arrival of a new driver in Corey. One of the more surprising reactions has come from teammate William Byron.
As reported by FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass, Byron seemingly is content with the decision to ban Elliott. Explaining more about his stance, he says ” 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 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
Congratulating the latest addition LaJoie, he gives us a timeline of his dynamic with the Spire Motorsports driver. Their history, if anything suggests many more good things to come for the Rick Hendrick team.
“I think it’s great for Corie, I mean we grew up racing together. Working together, he actually worked on one of my Late Models. So, we actually got a win in the Cars Tour when they had the Super Late models back then, and he was working on a car so… big props to him.”
Larson and Bowman choose to stay tongue-tied
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Staying out of controversy has always been a safe option for drivers. In NASCAR, some sort of controversy is always around the corner. Following Elliott’s ban, the drivers at Hendrick Motorsports were in high demand. Well, to get an opinion from teammates of Elliott himself is a great opportunity. Despite this, Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman have not had much to say on this matter.
Larson had an indifferent reaction on being questioned about the decision. Often been around such situations, Larson has been a victim of such accidents quite a lot this season. Confused on how big of a penalty would suffice, Larson says,” I don’t know, I don’t really have a good answer for that. I don’t make up the rules.”
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LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 05: FROM LEFT TO RIGHT Chase Elliott, William Byron, Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman, drivers for Hendrick Motorsports, at fanfest before the start of the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum on February 5, 2023, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire AUTO: FEB 05 NASCAR Cup Series Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum Icon230205065
Coming to the last driver on the roster, Bowman had some hilarious answers on display. From the looks of it, he does not recommend himself as the right person to answer on this issue. He also radiates enthusiasm talking about the addition of LaJoie to the team.
“I think that’s for people smarter than me. I think I’m too dumb to know. As you said earlier, I don’t wanna get involved in that. Yeah, you never want to see Chase out of a car by any means but I understand why NASCAR’s got to be consistent with things. I’m so excited to see how Corey does. It’s a big opportunity for him. I’ve been through a similar career path as him so…”
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Larson and Bowman’s silence conveys many words. While the duo had not much to say, Byron’s vocal conference leaves the glaring question mark on the sensitive topic. What follows will be a series of consistent decisions from NASCAR it seems.
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