Generally, there is a lot of excitement when popular drivers make a return, as fans want to see them back on track, dominating the race with their beasts. However, even replacement drivers can sometimes do such a great job that it catches everyone’s attention. This was achieved by the Hendrick Motorsports driver Josh Berry, who performed better than expected in five races, finishing runner-up in the race at the Richmond Raceway.
The announcement of Chase Elliot’s return to the track was certainly positive news for his fans. HMS’s #9 driver was reported to have recovered after his injury and is scheduled to race in the upcoming race in Martinsville. Following the news of Chase Elliott’s return to the Cup Series, a motorsports reporter tweeted about Berry’s remarkable contribution to the team.
Chase Elliott’s replacement gets recognition by a NASCAR reporter
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Elliot got into a snowboarding incident that injured his left leg and he had to undergo surgery. The surgery was successful but he was advised to take rest for about 6 weeks, and for bridging the gap, HMS brought in Josh Berry as the replacement driver for Elliott. Impressed by Berry’s performance, Austin Konenski tweeted, “I think Josh Berry deserves a good amount of recognition for the job he did in the No. 9 car during Chase Elliott’s injury.”
I think Josh Berry deserves a good amount of recognition for the job he did in the No. 9 car during Chase Elliott’s injury.
Berry had 1 top-5 and 2 top-10s with a best finish of 2nd place at Richmond. I thought he did well and should have a full-time ride in the Cup Series soon.
— Austin Konenski (@AustinKonenski) April 12, 2023
It’s hard work for a full-time Xfinity Series driver to race in the NASCAR Cup Series, let alone achieve a top-5 finish. But Berry exceeded expectations by finishing second at the Richmond Cup Series race. He successfully proved his worth as a Cup Series driver to everyone.
Though Berry has made a case for himself for getting picked as a Cup driver, the popularity of Chase Elliot among fans is much higher for him to have a full-time slot in HMS. Amid the news of Elliott’s much-anticipated return, fans took time to comment on Konenski’s tweet.
Fans express their disagreement with Austin Konenski after Chase Elliott announces his return
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Berry’s much-needed contribution to the HMS has been appreciated by many. However, there are a set of fans that feel Berry didn’t do anything special.
He took advantage of a well timed caution and pit strategy at Richmond. And late restart chaos at Phoenix. Went from finishing 15th-20th to 2nd and 10th in those two. Doesn't mean he wasn't impressive, but it's not like he ran in the top ten in those races before that.
— Nick Brincks (@NickBrincks) April 12, 2023
Add some context here the 2nd place finish took an extra pit stop otherwise he would’ve finished 20th while the other 3 hendrick drivers were actually racing in the top 10 all day. Phoenix a GWC finish was the only reason he got even close to 10th. He wasn’t that good for HMS
— Josh (@Josh07645770) April 12, 2023
He’s not ready I would take a lot of guys over him in xfinity
— Frankie Dodd (@FrankieDodd_) April 12, 2023
Well they cheated so ….
— Fitz (@afitz54) April 12, 2023
In cheated up race cars
— Critical Race Theory (@NASCARCRT) April 12, 2023
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— x – Chris (@CF_dotNET) April 12, 2023
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Watch This Story: Dale Earnhardt Jr slams Bubba Wallace for “Overreacting” as he pulls a “Chase Elliott”
At the moment, though, all eyes are focused on Chase Elliott’s return as Berry continues his Xfinity Series campaign. Will Elliott be able to perform the way he used to, or will fans once again be disappointed?