Over the past few weeks, the Chase Elliott and Kevin Harvick spat is all that anybody can talk about. Ahead of the race in Texas, media personnel tried to drag the issue even further by questioning the duo. Elliott dodged the question and tried to focus on his Cup Series campaign.
However, Harvick had no such qualms about venting his frustrations. He took a few potshots at Elliott and said, “I’m still baffled that he’s worried about me. I had no chance to win a championship. Looks like he should figure out how to take the same car and run as fast as the 5.”
Obviously, this is a jab at Elliott, who has not reached the Final 4, unlike teammate Kyle Larson. Now, the pressure is on the defending champion to try and win one of the next two races and join his partner. Admittedly, he will have to contend with stiff competition from six other drivers for the three vacant slots.
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Can Chase Elliott make it into the Championship 4?
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Theoretically speaking, Elliott has the capability, as Hendrick Motorsports has been fairly dominant in 2021. In fact, the team has amassed a grand total of 14 wins, with eight coming from title favorite, Kyle Larson.
With Larson safely in the season finale, the team could beseech him to try and play the team game and get Elliott into the Final 4. Meanwhile, this is no skin off Harvick’s nose, because he is out of contention.
On the flip side of the coin, none of Elliott’s wins have come on oval tracks. To be precise, he has won at Circuit of the Americas and at Road America. Considering that the next couple of races are at Kansas and Martinsville, this could be a slight disadvantage for the #9 driver. Nevertheless, he will try everything in his power to bag another win and join Larson, and Larson could try and help him.
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READ MORE: “It’s Going to be Tough” – NASCAR Journalist on Chase Elliott Making the Championship 4