NASCAR Team’s Move Puts Hendrick Motorsports’ Stubborn Chase Elliott Decision Under the Microscope

Hendrick Motorsports have been in the news more often than not this season. The campaign started well for them, with victories coming their way. But after Phoenix Raceway, they have been surrounded by controversies. They were struck with a major blow, as Chase Elliott got injured while snowboarding. The NASCAR Cup Series giants are once again under the microscope as one of their competitors performed an unexpected act recently.

With great power comes great responsibilities. This stays true for HMS, given its stature. However, it is that status which has more or less gotten them into trouble this season. A recent move from one of the other Cup Series teams has surely raised questions about their handling of the Chase Elliott situation.

Hendrick Motorsports stay stubborn with their Chase Elliott replacement policy

Following the injury to Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports didn’t waste any time in finding his replacement. NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Josh Berry was selected as the interim replacement until Elliott’s return. However, there was one thing that fans expected to happen.

Since HMS confirmed Elliott to be sidelined for weeks, fans expected his #9 to carry Berry’s name in some fashion. However, that did not happen as the Cup Series giants have never favored this approach since Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s time with them.

On the other hand, their competitor, Rick Ware Racing, adopted an exactly opposite approach recently. Prior to the Bristol race on Sunday, it was confirmed that their driver Cody Ware will be missing it due to personal reasons. Experienced driver Matt Crafton, who has over 500 NASCAR starts to his name, is set to replace the 27-year-old at Bristol Motor Speedway.

However, what RWR did was something surprising and probably the right thing. Despite the replacement being for just a single week, they changed the name on the #51 driven by Ware to Matt Crafton’s.

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This impressed the NASCAR fan base and, more so, raised questions about why Hendrick Motorsports have not adopted this move. There were some amazing reactions from the fans to this.

Fans react as Rick Ware Racing pulls off a move that questions Hendrick Motorsports’ intentions

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Despite Chase Elliott being out injured, his #9 car bears his name at every possible place. Rick Ware Racing’s move to rename Cody’s car with Matt Crafton’s has only fueled more speculation.

While some fans questioned Hendrick Motorsports’ decision, few of them had their own theories on not putting Berry’s name on Elliott’s car.

While HMS were put on the spot, some fans even pointed out it to be an odd thing to do from RWR’s perspective.

Well, it is all about perspective here. What do you think is the right approach? Let us know in the comments below!

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