Chase Elliott Plan to Avoid 2023 COTA ‘Embarrassment_ Last year’s NASCAR Cup Series race at the Circuit of the Americas left much to be desired for casual motorsports fans. Road course racing isn’t the forte of stock car drivers, and it was glaringly evident during that event. The major issue stemmed from the chaotic dive-bombing maneuvers into turn 1, often resulting in massive pile-ups. While NASCAR and wrecks are somewhat synonymous, the extent of the chaos at COTA crossed the line. To mitigate this, organizers were compelled to take drastic measures, including relocating the start-finish line to discourage excessive dives into the notorious first corner.
It’s fair to say the race drew criticism from many quarters, including sidelined driver Chase Elliott, who watched from home due to a leg injury. His perspective from the sidelines painted a grim picture.
Addressing the media ahead of this Sunday’s race, the Hendrick Motorsports stalwart couldn’t mince words when comparing NASCAR’s event at COTA to other motorsport races held at the venue. Elliott deemed it “embarrassing,” expressing disdain for the on-track spectacle and lamenting the apparent departure from the sport’s integrity. Reflecting on last year’s event, he couldn’t help but question whether such chaos truly represents NASCAR’s best.
Despite his reservations about the race, Elliott did find a silver lining in Tyler Reddick’s victory. The 23XI Racing driver’s triumph earned accolades from Elliott, who praised Reddick’s stellar performance and the resilience of his team, even in the face of adversity.
Acknowledging Reddick’s well-deserved win, Elliott emphasized the importance of a dominant car in navigating the challenging conditions at COTA. While Reddick’s victory set a high bar, Elliott remains optimistic about his own prospects in the upcoming race. With his prowess on road courses, he sees COTA as a prime opportunity to secure a much-needed win. However, he’ll face stiff competition, with Reddick emerging as a frontrunner for victory.
As anticipation builds for the race, the question remains: Can Chase Elliott rise to the occasion and clinch victory at COTA? Only time will tell.
Stayed up all night and was late to high school watching this scheme win the 500 in ‘14 😂. Now to be able to run it at Darlington is really special 👊🏼 https://t.co/ij6fmO2Dpe
— Chase Elliott (@chaseelliott) March 20, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQ”)
What has happened to Chase Elliott in Nascar?
Elliott expressed his fervent desire to avoid a repeat of the tumultuous 2023 season. Apart from grappling with a shoulder injury, he faced adversity stemming from a snowboarding mishap that resulted in a broken left leg. Furthermore, he incurred a suspension following a retaliatory incident involving Denny Hamlin during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
What does Chase Elliott drive in Nascar?
Chase Elliott pilots the iconic No. 9 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, a number synonymous with his father, Bill Elliott’s, illustrious career. Bill’s legacy, marked by his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, is honored as Chase continues to carry on the family tradition behind the wheel of the No. 9 car.
Who did Chase Elliott take over for?
Elliott made his full-time debut in the Cup Series in 2016, stepping into the prestigious No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, succeeding the legendary Jeff Gordon. His impressive rookie campaign earned him the title of the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year, solidifying his status as a rising star in the sport.
Who is Chase Elliott driving for in 2024?
Chase Elliott is set to showcase a special red Unifirst scheme at the spring 2024 race in Martinsville, commemorating Hendrick Motorsports’ 40th anniversary. Additionally, Hooters will serve as a sponsor for Elliott in three races throughout the 2024 season, as confirmed by images released by Hendrick Motorsports.
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