It has been a mixed season so far for Hendrick Motorsports. With two drivers in the playoffs, there is plenty of optimism of going all the way. At the same time, the fact that Chase Elliott missed out on freezing a place in the final 16 is still a wound too fresh. However, the elephant in the room is what Elliott chose to do after the race at Kansas Speedway on Sunday.
Safe to say, Elliott has had some poor luck this season. Missing out on six races due to injury was a major blow. While that was unfortunate, some of his decision-making has been quite questionable this campaign. In fact, he has been under severe criticism for what he did on Sunday.
NASCAR Insider bashes Chase Elliott for unacceptable behavior at Kansas Speedway
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It is no secret that Chase Elliott has a calm and composed personality on and off the track. However, there have been instances where he hasn’t quite looked the same, especially in the 2023 campaign. Most recently, his actions at Kansas Speedway have raised eyebrows.
At the end of the race, Larson was guilty of bumping Elliott while leaving the pit road. While Larson had very limited options there, the #9 driver reacted almost immediately by bumping his teammate just after the incident. Clearly, it was an act influenced by anger and retaliation.
While that looked uncharacteristic of Elliott, a NASCAR insider has slammed him for how he went about his business. After the race, the Georgia-born driver declared that he wasn’t trying to send a message to Larson with his act. However, the insider refused to believe so.
They're teammates. 😬
Chase Elliott wasn't happy with Kyle Larson. #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/71G4fYHT72
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) September 10, 2023
Speaking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Danielle Trotta reacted to Elliott’s comments. She said, “Of course, you had a problem, of course, you were sending a message. That’s why you door slammed somebody to tell them that you are not happy.”
Watch This Story: Rick Hendrick’s Painful Confession After Chase Elliott’s Playoff Flop
Trotta deemed Elliott’s act of bumping back as an “unacceptable behavior” before making a 7-word claim. She said, “Chase Elliott does not like Kyle Larson.” The reason why she felt so is because of what happened between the duo last year at Watkins Glen International.
🔥 "Chase's behavior was totally unacceptable in a year where his decision making has been questionable to the point of being suspended."@DanielleTrotta calls out Chase Elliott's conduct toward Kyle Larson yesterday at @kansasspeedway.
What's your take? ⬇️ #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/rDnT6J6A3a
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) September 11, 2023
She believes that Elliott still carries the bad memories from the incident and is vindictive about it. Trotta would be happy to know that even the majority of fans shared a similar opinion.
Elliott faces the fans’ wrath as his Kansas move on Kyle Larson backfires
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There is no doubt about the popularity of Chase Elliott among NASCAR fans. While he has been adored a lot, people haven’t shied away from throwing criticism at him in recent times. After his unexpected retaliation against Kyle Larson, many fans looked unhappy with the decision.
Chase Elliott finished sixth on a solid day. What he said afterward and whether he was sending a message to Kyle Larson after the contact as they were exiting their pits. pic.twitter.com/zodqNJrwIF
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 11, 2023
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In fact, some quite explicitly expressed their displeasure on Twitter about it.
“The only thing the 9 team needs to hit is the reset button for 2024.”
“This is 100% he don’t like Larson and he needs to be disciplined.”
“He’s spoiled. He always acts out, go back two years ago at Bristol what he did to Kevin Harvick.”
“The Golden Child doesn’t like not having everything handed to him. At even the slightest moments of adversity, he temper tantrums.”
“He is #3 on the HMS depth chart, and not even Daddy or Papa H can help him now.”
“2 years ago at Bristol was really the first time people started to see how big of a clown he is. I think honestly he’s more so jealous of Larson and how he isn’t the top guy at Hendrick”
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Clearly, the fans looked disappointed with Elliott’s actions at Kansas. Having said that, is there something that Rick Hendrick needs to be worried about? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.