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via Imago

via Imago

These are tough times for Hendrick Motorsports. On one hand, Chase Elliott is having a hard time with the #9 car, while on the other, William Byron continues his best-ever season in a title challenge. A big dilemma for team owner Rick Hendrick, as he will be allocating resources toward each driver’s goal.

Although HMS will hope to ensure a smooth turn of events for both of them, it also seems like a tough turn for the drivers. In the latest episode of Door Bumper Clear, hosts, Brett Griffin and Bubba Wallace’s spotter Freddie Kraft, took a look at the unsolved puzzle of HMS.

Kraft and Griffin’s take on Elliott’s championship and his high-caliber team

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Chase Elliott’s struggle this season is surprising for everyone. As the season progressed, Elliott evidently found himself in increasing trouble but with no wins. Being involved in the sport for over two decades as a spotter, manager, and marketer, Griffin has an extreme view about the odds of the 2020 Cup champion’s qualification.

He exemplified how the situation is for everyone to see, and unless something unexpected happens, not many bets will favor the #9 Camaro. “Here’s the scenario. You have to lead the last lap to win the race. Right now, mathematically there’s a 1% chance that’s gonna happen based on how his season is going. I don’t ask to lay it out.” said Griffin

Kraft was a tad more optimistic than Griffin. Having witnessed Bubba Wallace‘s playoff bubble battle up close, he believed that even if one considered the last six races as a sample, there was not much of a chance. He said, “At the same time, you know how it is with this deal.

“You can get hot, you can flip the switch and we’ve seen it in the past. But yeah, as of right now I don’t think he can point his way in. I’d be surprised if he could. I’m circling that Watkins Glen race as one of his best shots I think.”

Brett Griffin then moves on to the case of Byron, his preferred candidate for HMS’s top name on the priority list. The #24 driver has a real shot at taking the regular season title as his tug-of-war with Martin Truex Jr at the top continues.

“Byron has now 30-plus playoff points coming his way, assuming he can stay top two on the standings which he should. If I’m Hendrick Motorsports, yeah, I want Chase Elliott to make it. I want Alex Bowman to make it. But again are they championship-caliber teams right now?

“They’re not. So I’m gonna put my eggs in that basket of man. Let’s bankroll as many playoff points as we can for this #24 team. They have the best chance to make it at Phoenix. said Griffin questioning Bowman and Elliott’s chances at winning the whole thing.

Read More: Hendrick Motorsports’ Best Driver Makes Heartbreaking 5-Word Admission as Joe Gibbs War Intensifies

What is HMS’s approach to Elliott’s current standing?

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Last week, HMS Vice Chairman Jeff Gordon was questioned about the gravity of the Chase Elliott situation. Speaking to SiriusXM Radio, he said that he had faith in the yet-to-qualify duo’s abilities, as they have shown previously.

“I think we know what our race teams and our drivers and our crew chiefs are capable of when things fall in place. So I’ve got complete faith that they can do it in the coming up weekend or the weekend after that or the weekend after that. But there’s not big conversations yet where we start going,” said the former #24.

Some days later, on the same forum, he looked at his usual confidence as he mentioned that the best way to enter the playoffs is with a win. Both drivers have been waived off by NASCAR as well, and now the only thing that stands in front of them is the points barrier. Gordon knows that very well. Yet, as Gordon admitted, “They just haven’t had things going their way.

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After suspensions and injuries, Chase Elliott’s odds of meeting the requirements look quite bleak. But in racing, you never know; with the prowess and skill he and Hendrick Motorsports possess, the turnaround is very possible.

Watch This Story: HMS legend destroys Bubba Wallace after disappointing Michael Jordan at Chicago

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