via Imago
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Practice and Qualifying Apr 15, 2023 Martinsville, Virginia, USA NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott 9 waits on pit road before practice and qualifying at Martinsville Speedway. Martinsville Martinsville Speedway Virginia USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJohnxDavidxMercerx 20230415_jdm_sx1_021
via Imago
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Practice and Qualifying Apr 15, 2023 Martinsville, Virginia, USA NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott 9 waits on pit road before practice and qualifying at Martinsville Speedway. Martinsville Martinsville Speedway Virginia USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJohnxDavidxMercerx 20230415_jdm_sx1_021
In a spot of fantastic news for Chase Elliott fans, he will be back in action this weekend. The #9 Hendrick Motorsports star was out of commission, owing to a snowboarding accident that resulted in a broken leg. As a result, he missed around six races but had earlier confirmed his return at Martinsville. Speaking of Martinsville, the schedule for the weekend is a bit different from usual. However, the 2020 Cup Series champion had an explanation for that.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Elliott told the Pat McAfee Show, “It’s 400 laps. Typically, Martinsville races have been 500 in the past, so I’m glad. We’re trying to cut down on the TV time. As y’all know, TV runs everything. I think it’s going to be tough for sure. I’d be lying if I didn’t think it was going to be tough. Chevrolet has a simulator we can get in there and kind of practice some of these things.”
READ MORE: Hours After Big Reveal, Fans Speculate as Chase Elliott’s Playoff Chances Remain Doubtful
What to expect from Chase Elliott on his comeback?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
For this weekend’s race, the #9 driver has qualified in 24th place. Of course, this is a disappointing result, but it is understandable since he has only just returned to the fray. So it would be difficult to expect him to be competitive, right off the bat. Then again, this is just qualifying, and there will be opportunities for him to claw his way up the order.
via Imago
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Daytona 500 Feb 19, 2023 Daytona Beach, Florida, USA NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott 9 during driver introductions before the start of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Daytona Beach Daytona International Speedway Florida USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMikexDinovox 20230219_mcd_ad4_16
Then again, he only has 400 laps to do it in, as opposed to the usual 500. So that is not much time for the Hendrick Motorsports star to make up positions and be in with a shot to win. Nevertheless, Elliott will try to make the most of it and finish as high as possible.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Recent Chase Elliott Injury Update Leads Fans to Anticipate the Hendrick Motorsports Star’s Return at Legendary NASCAR Race
If he can somehow win the race, all the more power to him, and his ticket into the Playoffs, is officially punched in. Even if he doesn’t win at Martinsville, there are plenty more races to steadily build up his confidence and win one of them, eventually.
