Chase Elliott breaks silence on COTA Wreck after a chaotic crash caused by Ross Chastain. The aggressive move sent Elliott spinning, but he refused to retaliate. Instead, he kept his focus on future races, leaving the NASCAR world debating his response. While some demanded accountability, Elliott maintained his composure, shifting his attention to Phoenix Raceway. Meanwhile, Chastain’s past with Hendrick Motorsports added another layer to the controversy. What does this mean for their rivalry?
Key Highlights
- Chase Elliott expressed frustration but remained composed when addressing the COTA incident with Ross Chastain.
- Elliott emphasized patience and avoided emotional responses, showcasing maturity in handling the situation.
- Post-race, Elliott downplayed the need to comment further, maintaining a balanced approach.
- Elliott focused on upcoming races, particularly Phoenix, rather than dwelling on the COTA incident.
- The NASCAR community, including Dale Earnhardt Jr., criticized Chastain for not initially owning up to his mistake.
The Incident at COTA
The NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) witnessed an intense start as chaos unfolded right at Turn 1. As the cars surged forward, Ross Chastain executed an aggressive plunge-bomb maneuver, resulting in a five-wide stack-up that sent Chase Elliott spinning off course.
This incident was particularly disheartening for Elliott, whose No. 9 car had performed impressively during qualifying, securing a tertiary starting position. However, the pivotal moment at Turn 1 drastically shifted his race path, relegating him to the back of the field.
While Elliott’s frustration was noticeable, it was his crew chief, Alan Gustafson, who openly expressed fury over the team radio. Gustafson’s fiery response highlighted the tension within the team and the broader NASCAR community, with an implicit call for retaliation against Chastain.
“We’re gonna have to pay that s— back because I’m over people like that constantly doing dumb s—. When we get a chance to send him, we’re sending that 1 car.” – Alan Gustafson
Despite this setback, Elliott’s determination allowed him to navigate through the field, achieving a commendable fourth-place finish.
Chase Elliott’s Reaction and Avoiding Controversy
Chase Elliott faced a challenging situation after the chaotic incident at Circuit of the Americas, where his race took an unexpected turn due to Ross Chastain’s maneuver.
Despite the frustration and discontent that followed, Elliott chose to navigate the situation with composure. In a post-race interview, he admitted his annoyance but refrained from escalating the issue. “I haven’t seen it, so I don’t wanna comment yet, but it’s the first lap of the dang race” he stated, emphasizing patience and caution. His response was invigoratingly measured, avoiding the emotional pitfalls into which many might fall.
As a week passed and the scene shifted to the Phoenix Raceway, Elliott continued to maintain his balanced approach. Speaking to Bob Pockrass, he expressed regret about the incident but didn’t ignite further controversy.
“There’s not really a lot for me to comment on it,” he remarked. This approach contrasted sharply with the heated reactions of others, showcasing Elliott’s maturity and tactical foresight.
“I hate that it happened. I hate that, you know, it’s easy for me to say that I wish it wasn’t on the first lap, which is true, but if that happens at any point in the race, you’re probably going to be, you know, bummed out about it.” – Chase Elliott
Chase Elliott didn't want to comment much on the Ross Chastain move at the start of COTA. He just knew the car didn't run as well as it had the day prior. pic.twitter.com/9R3BbxeKs8
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 8, 2025
NASCAR Community and Dale Jr.’s Response
Within the NASCAR community, reactions to the COTA incident involving Ross Chastain and Chase Elliott have been intense.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. was particularly vocal, critiquing Chastain’s choice of silence post-incident on his Dale Jr. Download podcast. He stated that any comment would have been preferable to no comment, emphasizing that accountability matters.
“He could have said anything, and that would have probably been better than a no comment. No comment is just probably not ever the best option.” – Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Denny Hamlin, familiar with Chastain’s aggressive style, echoed the importance of owning up to mistakes.
Chastain eventually addressed the situation, acknowledging his error:
“When I watched the overhead view, yeah, I mean, I’m the outlier, so I’m the furthest left, and I’m the fastest. So yeah, it was an error. I thought we were slow enough from the restart zone, but that was not the case. That was a bad move. I just, I don’t know how else to say it. I get to take that, and I get to live with that. From the outside, it doesn’t look good.” – Ross Chastain
His admission seemed to restore some respect among peers, though the community still debates his sincerity.
Chastain’s decision to allow Elliott to pass later in the race indicated a newfound caution, hinting at a tactical awareness that some found surprising.
Ross Chastain’s History with Hendrick Motorsports
Ross Chastain often finds himself at the center of controversy, particularly regarding his on-track clashes with Hendrick Motorsports. In 2023, Chastain, driving the #1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, was involved in several incidents with Hendrick’s #5 Kyle Larson.
These encounters on the racetrack drew sharp criticism from Hendrick Motorsports, who openly expressed their displeasure. Despite both drivers representing Chevrolet, Rick Hendrick made it clear that brand loyalties would not shield Chastain from backlash. “I don’t care if he’s driving a Chevrolet if he wrecks our cars,” Hendrick asserted, emphasizing the expectation of mutual respect on the circuit.
“I don’t care. I’ve told Chevrolet that. If you wreck us, you’re going to get it back. If you don’t do it, they’ll run all over you.” – Rick Hendrick
Fans speculate that this stern stance from Hendrick has influenced Chastain’s approach, possibly leading him to reduce aggressive retaliations during races. This shift suggests a growing awareness of the importance of maintaining professional relationships within the sport, even in the midst of competitive tensions.
Chase Elliott’s Focus on Phoenix
Though the drama at COTA is now behind him, Chase Elliott is shifting his focus to Phoenix Raceway. This one-mile oval has posed challenges for him in the Next Gen era. Despite his 2020 championship win there, Elliott has faced difficulties in recent races, leading only 57 laps in five starts since 2022 and averaging a 16.4 finish.
“Phoenix hasn’t necessarily been a strong track for us in the Next Gen. But we made some headway there last fall, so I’m looking forward to seeing how we stack up this weekend.”
“I think right now, for us, we just want to have a good, clean race. The team has put in the work to bring fast Chevrolets for me each week.” – Chase Elliott
His recent efforts at Phoenix have been marked by:
- An 8th-place finish in the 2024 season finale, offering a glimpse of hope for improvement.
- Inconsistent 2025 results, with a commendable fourth-place at COTA but setbacks from early wrecks.
- A tactical alliance with crew chief Alan Gustafson, whose four Phoenix wins bring valuable expertise.
Elliott aims to capitalize on Hendrick Motorsports’ historical success at Phoenix, where the team boasts 13 wins. His teammates’ strong performances could provide supplementary motivation as Elliott seeks to secure his playoff position.
News in Brief: Chase Elliott Breaks Silence on COTA Wreck
Chase Elliott chose to remain calm after the incident at COTA, opting not to engage in a public feud with Ross Chastain. This decision reflects his focus on future races, especially the upcoming event in Phoenix.
While tensions simmer within the NASCAR community, Elliott’s restraint highlights his dedication to his sport and team, Hendrick Motorsports. Meanwhile, Chastain’s past conflicts with the team add a layer of complexity, ensuring that the situation remains a topic of discussion.
ALSO READ: Chase Elliott’s Epic Comeback at COTA Was Overshadowed—But Richard Petty Set the Record Straight
