Chase Elliott’s Epic Comeback at COTA Was Overshadowed—But Richard Petty Set the Record Straight

Key Takeaways

• Chase Elliott executed a remarkable comeback at Circuit of The Americas after spinning and falling to the rear of the field.
• Richard Petty praised Elliott’s resilience and road course expertise during his impressive recovery in the race.
• The collision with Ross Chastain on Lap 1 severely impacted Elliott’s vehicle, demonstrating the consequences of aggressive driving.
• Elliott’s crew chief expressed frustration over Chastain’s tactics, indicating tensions within the team dynamics following the incident.
• Denny Hamlin defended Chastain, suggesting that both drivers shared accountability for the collision, adding complexity to the narrative.

A Masterclass in Recovery That Few Noticed

Chase Elliott executed a remarkable comeback during the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of The Americas, demonstrating a drive that many observers underestimated.

After being spun in Turn 1 and forced to the rear, Elliott displayed exceptional race resilience and driver resolve as he navigated through the field. Employing effective comeback strategies, he steadily advanced, ultimately securing a fourth-place finish.

This performance, though overshadowed in real-time, deserves critical skill evaluation, as it highlighted his ability to overcome adversity and adapt under stress.

Fan recognition of his achievement, along with acknowledgment from NASCAR legends like Richard Petty, signifies the importance of understanding the subtleties of such remarkable drives, which often go unnoticed amid the excitement of competition.

Richard Petty Applauds Elliott’s Road Course Prowess

Applauding the skills of a fellow driver, Richard Petty took to the Petty Family Racing podcast to commend Chase Elliott‘s impressive performance at Circuit of The Americas.

Petty’s praise highlighted Elliott’s remarkable comeback story, as he started from the back of the pack due to a reckless incident involving Ross Chastain. Despite this setback, Elliott demonstrated his road course expertise by driving his way to a fourth-place finish, a confirmation of his exceptional skills.

“I guess the whole deal he must have driven the hardest all the way through because he started dead last way behind and still wound up what fourth.” – (petty)

Known among NASCAR legends for his dominance on road courses, Elliott’s talents often go unnoticed, especially during such exhilarating recoveries.

Not a good start for driver No. 9. pic.twitter.com/HkdePYFIfE

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 2, 2025

Chastain’s Aggression Causes a Costly Collision

Aggression on the track can lead to dramatic consequences, as evidenced by the incident involving Ross Chastain at Circuit of The Americas.

On Lap 1, Chastain executed an aggressive driving tactic, forcing a three-wide move in Turn 1, which resulted in a collision impact with Chase Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet. This costly incident severely bent the toe link, a critical component of the car’s suspension, disrupting the handling and overall performance.

“We had to get under there and work on the toe link. He hit something back there on that spin. We got it fixed as best we could, but I think we lost some performance because of it.” – (Gustafson)

The aftermath of this collision emphasized several key factors:

1. The impact of aggressive driving on race outcomes.
2. The team’s tactical decision to prioritize recovery efforts mid-race.
3. The long-term racing consequences that could stem from compromised vehicle stability.

“We’re Sending That 1 Car”: Elliott’s Crew Chief Vows Payback

Tension often fuels the competitive spirit in racing, and in the case of Chase Elliott’s team, it sparked a vow for retribution against Ross Chastain. Following an aggressive tactic by Chastain, Elliott’s crew chief, Alan Gustafson, expressed frustration over the radio, asserting that Elliott had done nothing wrong and declaring, “We’re gonna have to pay that back.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s just stupidity. But you know, we’re gonna have to pay that back. When we get a chance to send him, we’re sending that 1 car.”  – (Gustafson)

“That’s fine. I’ll do what I need to do, but I just need to make sure I wasn’t in the wrong before I do it.” – (Elliott)

This dynamic demonstrates the complexities of team strategy and driver accountability. Despite Chastain’s strong performance, he faced a costly pit penalty that further complicated his day.

Aware of the tension, Chastain even relinquished a position late in the race to dodge potential Elliott retaliation. Ultimately, the lingering frustration from the incident highlighted the ongoing challenges within NASCAR.

Hamlin’s Unexpected Defense and the Bigger Debate

Denny Hamlin stepped into the spotlight with an unexpected defense of Ross Chastain, challenging the prevailing narrative surrounding the recent incident at COTA.

Hamlin’s perspective sheds light on the complexities of racing decorum, emphasizing that while Chastain has a reputation for aggressive driving, accountability should be shared. He noted that Chase Elliott could have provided more room during the race, introducing a sophisticated debate about responsibility.

“I get it—Chastain has a reputation. But I don’t think this one’s all on him. Elliott maybe could’ve given a little more room.”  – (hamlin)

• Chastain’s Reputation: Known for his bold tactics, he often faces scrutiny.
• Accountability Contrast: Unlike young driver Connor Zilisch, who admitted his mistake, Chastain remained silent.

“I f—– up. When you spoil someone else’s race, it’s difficult to enjoy a victory.” – (Zilisch)

• Racing Decorum: The dynamics of aggressive driving require careful consideration of all drivers involved.

News in Brief: Chase Elliott’s Epic Comeback at COTA

Chase Elliott’s remarkable recovery at COTA demonstrated his skill, yet many overlooked this achievement amid the drama. Richard Petty’s praise highlights Elliott’s talent on road courses, while the collision caused by Ross Chastain added tension.

With Elliott’s crew chief promising retaliation, the situation intensified. Denny Hamlin’s unexpected support sparked a broader conversation about racing aggression and responsibility, reminding fans that every race tells a deeper story. Ultimately, Elliott’s comeback deserves recognition, even in the face of controversy.

ALSO READ: Todd Gilliland Regrets Early Trouble with Chase Elliott at COTA: “Felt Dumb About That”