This season’s Coca-Cola 600 had it all. Be it Ryan Blaney ending his 59-race winless streak with an emphatic victory or the wreck fest that led to 16 cautions. However, the incident that refuses to die down is the one involving Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin. The crash involving the two has already created a lot of fuss. Unfortunately, with NASCAR’s latest decision, things only seem to have gotten worse from several fans’ points of view.
Safe to say, the NASCAR Cup Series has seen plenty of penalties imposed this season. However, Elliott getting only a single-race suspension for his actions on Monday has already created a lot of debate. While fans have voiced their anger by demanding stricter punishments, the governing body’s recent-most ruling has nothing but fueled the discontent more.
NASCAR’s latest decision turns in favor of Chase Elliott following the incident involving Denny Hamlin
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There is no denying that Chase Elliott is a fantastic driver. Had it not been for his snowboarding injury earlier this season, things might have looked much better for him at this stage. However, the truth is, he has an uphill task to make it to the playoffs with time running out of his hands.
Naturally, this is bound to make him desperate in some way or the other. Unfortunately, it came out during the race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Monday when he crashed with Denny Hamlin. The incident was so annoying for Hamlin that he termed Elliott’s act a “bulls**t move” after the race.
"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
After all, the 3x Daytona 500 winner had registered a win at the same track last year. It was a great opportunity for him to continue his impressive run but the crash spoiled it all. While NASCAR deemed the incident as an intentional wreck from Elliott, they wasted no time in suspending him for the race at World Wide Technology Raceway.
It is certainly a big dent to the Hendrick Motorsports driver’s hopes of making it to the playoffs. However, he will be content after NASCAR’s latest ruling. It is important to note that the governing body has already once granted a waiver to Elliott this season to stay eligible for the playoffs despite missing six races.
Fortunately for him, NASCAR has once again come to his rescue. They have issued a second waiver to Elliott to stay eligible for the playoffs despite being suspended for a single race. While many expected them to pass a statement there, it is safe to say that the decision has surprised many.
Chase Elliott has been granted a waiver to miss WWTR Gateway and remain playoff eligible.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 1, 2023
In fact, social media is flooded with plenty of fans voicing their anger over the outcome here.
WATCH THIS STORY: Chase Elliott’s Biggest Fan Might’ve Ended Up Getting Him a 1-Race Ban As Denny Hamlin Used Him in His Appeal to NASCAR
NASCAR’s second waiver to Elliott following the Coca-Cola 600 incident leaves the fans fuming
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It is no secret how Chase Elliott and Hendrick Motorsports are already in the eye of many with the driver getting suspended only for a single race. With the intensity of the crash at Charlotte, plenty called for more severe punishment.
A closer look at the damage for Denny Hamlin and Chase Elliott. #HotPass https://t.co/8pn34Lnunz pic.twitter.com/D6xomPgCNG
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 29, 2023
While that didn’t happen, NASCAR’s latest decision to provide a second waiver to Elliott this campaign has left the fans boiling. They left no stone unturned in venting out their frustration on Twitter.
“Waivers are ridiculous! In situations like this for driver suspension, no waiver should be granted! What a joke this has become!”
“So, if he wins, the suspension is useless as a penalty. WTG @NASCAR penalties that should mean something, mean nothing”
“Wtf is the point of the suspension then? Dudes about to sit out his 7th race of the season and can still make the playoffs”
“A waiver for an injury is one thing. But a waiver for a race suspension for intentionally wrecking someone???? That should’ve been a quick no.”
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“Total bullshi*. These waivers are a joke ..Plus rewarding chase for putting ppl at risk”
READ MORE – Dale Earnhardt Jr Joins Hands With Corey LaJoie in Chase Elliott’s Defence as He Rubbishes Favoritism Claims
“wonder what it takes to not be playoff eligible.”
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“They need to change this, no one should get two waivers.”
Clearly, there’s plenty of discontent among the fans because of this decision. However, it remains to see how fruitfully Elliott manages to capitalize on this opportunity. Do you think he could still make it to the playoffs? Let us know in the comments below.