The Coca-Cola 600 is considered a Crown Jewel in the NASCAR calendar. Being the longest race across the NASCAR season, spanning 600 miles the race surely had to see some or the other action out on track. However, for Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott, things took a turn downhill after being involved in an incident with Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin.
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During the race, Elliott right rear hooked Hamlin. The JGR driver had pointed out that Elliott’s actions were similar to that of Bubba Wallace last season when he took out Kyle Larson in Las Vegas. After the race, NASCAR handed Elliott a one-race suspension in lieu of the incident that occurred out on track.
Having served his suspension, the Hendrick Motorsports driver told NASCAR that he respected their call to have him parked for the Enjoy Illinois 300. During his interview, the 2020 Cup Series champion opened up on his guilt, referring to the “unfortunate circumstances” that resulted in his suspension.
Chase Elliott opens up about being handed a race suspension
Elliott recently found himself in the eye of the storm but chose to address the matter in a diplomatic manner. In a candid interview, he neither accepted guilt nor played the blame game, rather he expressed his acceptance of the outcome.
Engaging in a conversation with NASCAR, Elliott carefully worded his thoughts, stating, “I think certainly it was an unfortunate circumstance on many accounts. And I hate that we’re in the position that we’re in. Obviously, it’s been a pretty wild year, even prior to last week or two weeks ago.”
Adding, “But yeah. Look, I mean, I hate that I put our team. And our partners and our fans and all the folks that make this go in a tough spot. Certainly glad Denny’s OK, and I understand NASCAR’s call and what they felt like they needed to do. So I respect all that.”
In handling this turbulence, Elliott’s discretion and maturity stood out. His words reflect a deep understanding of the situation and acceptance of NASCAR’s decision, thus setting an example of sportsmanship.
What transpired between Elliott and Denny Hamlin that led to his suspension?
At the recent Charlotte Motor Speedway race, during lap 186, an unforeseen incident occurred between Elliott and Hamlin. This resulted in a disastrous wreck that prematurely ended both of their race. However, this unfortunate incident was not taken lightly by Hamlin, who expressed dissatisfaction with the way Elliott’s maneuver affected him.
“I got right-rear hooked in the middle of the straightaway. It’s a tantrum, and he shouldn’t be racing next week. Right rear hooks are absolutely unacceptable,” Hamlin stated while speaking to the media following the wreck.
While the pair were racing side by side, Hamlin found himself pushing Elliott towards the outer wall. Consequently, Elliott made contact with Hamlin’s right rear, which abruptly propelled him head-on into the wall. Hamlin’s subsequent remarks strongly hinted at his belief that Elliott’s action was not merely accidental but rather a deliberate “tantrum”. Moreover, he went on to advocate for Elliott’s absence from the next race, citing similarities with Bubba Wallace’s incident with Kyle Larson last year.
