Jeff Gordon Drops Disruptive Hint as Fans Demand Kyle Busch Treatment to a Hendrick Motorsports Driver as Chase Elliott’s Replacement Shuts All the Haters Down

Earlier at the Richmond Raceway, Kyle Larson led a Hendrick Motorsports 1–2. However, the one drawing all the eyeballs was Josh Berry, who was standing in for the injured Chase Elliott. Berry impressed everyone when he finished in a career-best 2nd behind Larson, and ahead of Ross Chastain. None were more proud than the team’s Vice Chairman and former champion, Jeff Gordon.

In fact, Gordon even declared that Berry could be a potential future Cup Series driver on a full-time basis. This prompted several fans to pitch in and suggest which car he should drive. While the star drivers, Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott, were in the clear, the likes of William Byron and Alex Bowman seemed to be the easy targets.

NASCAR fans hinted at poor old Alex Bowman getting the Kyle Busch – Joe Gibbs Racing treatment

A fair number of fans were of the opinion that if any Hendrick driver had to be replaced, it was Bowman. Some were of the opinion that Bowman was the worst-performing candidate of the Hendrick Motorsports quartet. They believed that Berry would be the best option in the #48 car and would bring it the glory it had enjoyed in the past. After all, this was the car that guided Jimmie Johnson to a record-equalling seven Cup Series titles.

In the post-race interview, Berry was intervened by the Vice Chairman as the latter marched in to congratulate on the unexpected finish. With a quick exchange of hands, a shoulder bump, and a few words, Berry was reassured of doing a “great job, man.” Soon after, NASCAR fans gathered in the comments section, hinting at turning Berry into a full-time driver (in the place of Alex Bowman or William Byron). Many indirect references were made to #48 Bowman and #24 Byron.

READ MORE: “There Was Enough Communication” – Jeff Gordon Finds Glimmer of Hope Despite Hendrick Motorsports’ Tragic $400,000 Loss

But what is the Kyle Busch treatment? It stems from the 2022 season when Busch was let go by Joe Gibbs Racing. After M&M’s left the sport, Busch’s position at JGR was in limbo and he was desperately searching for a sponsor. Unfortunately, the team was unable to get a deal in place, so Busch sought other pastures, and Richard Childress Racing snapped him up.

Fast forward to the present, one still has to wonder when Elliott will be back. After all, it is important that he not rush his recovery and come back too early, only to be sidelined even longer. At the same time, he cannot afford to miss too many races and jeopardise his playoff chances.

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