“Modern Day Dale Jr” Chase Elliott Slammed for Erratic Behavior as Kyle Larson’s Ex-Teammate Says “He Doesn’t Expose Himself” in Defense

Inarguably, the turning point for an already wobbly championship hopeful Chase Elliott in Phoenix was when he got spun around by Ross Chastain from behind him. Now, it’s debatable if the #1 was at fault, or if the #9 was at fault, or if it was simply down to racing.

But the Hendrick Motorsports driver found himself at the end of some very harsh criticism from NASCAR fans for a very different reason: Elliott completely ignored, almost dodged the question about this event in a post-race interview.

And this frustration was also just as present in spotter Brett Griffin too.

In a recent episode of the Door Bumper Clear podcast, Griffin opened up on Elliott’s general lack of expressiveness in front of the mic which was perfectly on display in the Phoenix desert.

“Man, the thing I’m most spot off for about this whole thing is Chase Elliott in these media sessions. He is our most popular driver, he is, who what I would say, 80% of our fanbase at least likes, if they don’t love him,” he said. “He is the modern-day Dale Jr.”

“When you walk in the media center sessions where he is the hot topic, he flat out won’t talk.”

Having said that, Griffin conceded this attitude of the #9 driver, the two people “he needs to keep happy” are Rick Hendrick and his primary sponsor, NAPA, but despite that, he needs to assume some responsibility.

“What he could say could be detrimental,” the spotter continued, “But at the same time, I’m sitting here hanging on the fact that I wanna know, did Ross Chastain wreck you, or did you wreck yourself?”

“And he won’t tell you!”

WATCH THIS STORY: “This Car Will Kill Someone” Fears Grow as Chase Elliott Slams “Backwards” NASCAR After Justin Marks Tussle

Kyle Larson’s former teammate kind of likes Chase Elliott being quiet and reserved

Joining the DBC crew this week was Jamie McMurray, who was Kyle Larson’s teammate back in his Chip Ganassi Racing days. After listening to Griffin’s point on Chase Elliott, McMurray presented his opinion on the 2020 Cup champion’s behavior.

“See, I like it. Here’s why I like it because…I feel when we do interviews with Chase, he never really answers, it’s a little mysterious,” he said. “He’s just always kind of reserved.”

The former Spire Motorsports driver added how there are some drivers who pretend to be cool but in reality, they’re not. However, the Dawsonville native is different for the very reasons he is under scrutiny for.

“I think Chase Elliott is cool. I kinda like that he doesn’t expose himself,” McMurray emphasized.

Also Read: “He Wasn’t Going to Do That” – Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Reaction to Controversial Chase Elliott-Ross Chastain Incident Emerges