“Ross Chastain Fell Off a Watermelon Truck” – Kyle Petty Silences All Chase Elliott Hate as he Summarizes “The Expectations” From NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver

Last week, in the buildup to the Cup race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, disaster struck the Hendrick Motorsports team. Chase Elliott injured himself in a snowboarding accident and was out of action. In the process, he fractured his leg, so would be unavailable to race until his leg heals up.

Naturally, Elliott invited a fair amount of criticism for potentially jeopardizing his championship chances. However, extra-curricular activities are arguably a bit of a slippery slope, considering the risks and rewards associated with them.

In light of this, former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty spoke about the situation.

He told the NASCAR on NBC podcast, “It’s everything, that’s what has created the optic. Listen, this is not a slam on anybody, but we would not be having this conversation over B. J. McLeod. We would not be having this conversation over Corey LaJoie. Nobody would be saying, ‘Yeah, that guy shouldn’t get a waiver’.”

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What else did Kyle Petty say about the Chase Elliott situation?

In other words, this situation is getting attention, simply because it is Chase Elliott. Had it been any other driver, would fans have made such a similar hubbub?

Bear in mind, teammate Kyle Larson also competes in races outside NASCAR jurisdiction. Usually, Rick Hendrick would have been hesitant, owing to this very reason. However, he relented for the sake of Larson and his dirt racing exploits.

Petty continued, “You just wouldn’t be having this conversation. I’m not sure we would be having this conversation if Ross Chastain fell off a watermelon truck.”

“Not sure we would be having this same conversation. I think it’s just Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports. The expectations, most popular driver, so much there.”

“Everything feeds into it to make this story what it is.”

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At the end of the day, Elliott has a lot of pressure foisted on him. Though one has to wonder if Elliott’s injury could harden Hendrick’s stance on non-NASCAR activities.