Leg injuries require a significant recovery time and a healthy dose of patience for things to return to normalcy. Yet, the healing process can take an unexpected turn when the injured person happens to be an athlete. This was the case with Hendrick Motorsports star Chase Elliott, who found himself side-lined from numerous races early in the season due to a broken leg. His return to racing posed multiple challenges for him as he embarked on his mission to re-enter the playoffs upon his return.
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Stepping back into the car at Martinsville was bound to be a challenging endeavor, considering only a few weeks had passed since his leg injury. Fortunately, the 2020 Cup Champion experienced no pain and managed to participate in the race.
During a recent interview with NASCAR, Elliott provided an update regarding his leg’s condition and how he had been feeling while driving the car.
Chase Elliott shares updates regarding the condition of his leg
Speaking with NASCAR, Elliott also elaborated on the stark contrast that would have been if he were part of a different sport instead of racing. His recovery journey highlights the unique challenges and rewards inherent in the world of motorsports.
In the interview, Elliott stated, “It’s been fine in the car really. I mean, Martinsville was a little challenging. But since then, I’ve felt pretty good with it in the car, and getting stronger outside of the car too. You know, that particular injury is a long recovery. If you were playing a stick-and-ball sport, it would be quite some time before you could go play again.”
“So I’m very fortunate that just the way our seats are and where my leg is positioned in the car and how secure it is in the car, those are all things that are working to my advantage and being able to get back to work as quick as I did.”
It’s heartening to witness Elliott’s gradual return to his regular form, given the typically prolonged healing process associated with leg injuries.
How did Chase Elliott break his leg early into the NASCAR season?
Back in March, Elliott sustained a fractured tibia in his left leg during a snowboarding adventure in Colorado. In the immediate aftermath, he underwent a successful three-hour surgery that marked the beginning of his recovery journey.
As Elliott took time off from the NASCAR Cup Series to recover, Xfinity Series driver Josh Berry took his place, maintaining continuity in the races that Elliott had to miss because of his injury. Additionally, Hendrick Motorsports proactively secured a medical waiver for Chase Elliott, aiming to preserve his eligibility for the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs upon his return to the racing scene.
