“I Don’t Like It”: Rick Hendrick Breaks Silence on NASCAR’s Chase Elliott Verdict After Bitter Gateway Upset

Rick Hendrick, the owner of the most successful Cup Series team, recently shared his thoughts on the controversial suspension of his driver, Chase Elliott. Elliott was suspended by NASCAR for intentionally wrecking Denny Hamlin at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Although the team did not contest the suspension decision, Rick Hendrick emphasized the importance of providing the drivers with a platform to express their frustration regarding on-track incidents with their competitors.

Hendrick is in Le Mans, France, to support NASCAR’s Garage 56 entry. During the “Meet the Team” event at Le Mans’ Circuit de la Sarthe, he reflected on the recent penalty that forced Elliott to miss Sundays’s race at the World Wide Technology Raceway. The suspension was a result of Elliott‘s retaliatory crash involving Denny Hamlin during the Coca-Cola 600. However, the Hendrick Motorsports owner addressed the broader issue of on-track aggression and suggested that NASCAR officials should intervene to maintain fair competition.

Rick Hendrick feels that drivers have a right to retaliate

NASCAR.com recently reported the statements made by Rick Hendrick during the unique “Meet the Team” event. He stated, “I think you have to accept it if you did it. But when you get roughed up, and you get roughed up by the same person all the time or multiple times in a race, the frustration sets in and you just—you’ve ruined my day, I’m gonna ruin your day.

“And I think NASCAR is gonna calm that down, but until something was done, they were going to keep on doing it. So I don’t like it, but I feel like our guys have the right to retaliate, but we’ve got to now not wreck the guy.”

Hendrick added, “I’d rather after the race confront them and ask them what the deal is. But our sport’s been about pushing and shoving. It’s a fine line when you get over that. If somebody pushes and shoves you and puts you out of the race, then what are you going to do?”

Hendrick’s perspective highlights the need for a balance between competitive aggression and maintaining respect among drivers. He believes that NASCAR should take measures to address the ongoing issue, ensuring fair racing and minimizing unnecessary retaliation.

WATCH THIS STORY: Denny Hamlin defends himself with a controversial Dale Earnhardt Sr clip regarding his involvement in Chase Elliott’s suspension

Corey LaJoie replaces Chase Elliott at Gateway

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Even before NASCAR officially suspended Chase Elliott from the recent race at World Wide Technology Raceway, Corey LaJoie was prepared to step in and take his place. LaJoie received a text on Tuesday night, notifying him of the possibility, and less than 24 hours later, it became a reality. The 31-year-old driver saw this as a golden opportunity to showcase his talent.

Despite the setback, Elliott is set to return to the wheel of HMS #9 Chevrolet for the upcoming Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway. In an interview after getting suspended, Elliott acknowledged the incident as an “unfortunate circumstance” and expressed his respect for NASCAR’s decision.

For LaJoie, joining the HMS garage might have a degree of familiarity. His father, the two-time Xfinity Series champion Randy LaJoie, drove in nine Cup races for Hendrick in 1998, achieving three top-tens and one top-five finish. The opportunity to race for Hendrick Motorsports holds special significance for LaJoie and showcases his growth as a driver.

During his time substituting for Elliott, LaJoie displayed his dedication, however, he could only secure a 21st-place finish. The experience further solidified his place in the NASCAR community and can serve as a stepping stone for potential future opportunities.

The events surrounding Elliott’s suspension and LaJoie’s temporary stint in the #9 car have shed light on the discussions surrounding on-track aggression and the consequences it carries. As the NASCAR community navigates this complex issue, it remains to be seen how competition officials will address these concerns and maintain a balance between fierce competition and driver safety.

READ MORE: Ross Chastain Adds Another Name to His Growing List of Enemies, Led By Hamlin & Larson, at Gateway