In 2021 at Bristol Motor Speedway, a crash changed the race and led to sharp words from Kevin Harvick toward Chase Elliott. The moment was tense and unexpected. Now, as the 2025 night race nears, questions grow about what might happen next. With Denny Hamlin chasing a big record and old rivalries still fresh in memory, the short track could once again become a stage for bold moves and strong reactions.
Key Highlights
- Harvick accused Elliott of a “chicken sh– move” after a collision in the 2021 Bass Pro Shops Night Race.
- The incident between Harvick and Elliott intensified their rivalry and highlighted Bristol’s reputation for driver conflicts.
- Elliott’s defense centered on protecting team interests, indicating a willingness to use aggressive tactics again.
- Bristol’s tight track conditions make it likely for similar confrontations to occur in future races.
- Chase Elliott’s previous actions suggest he may employ strategic maneuvers to challenge competitors like Harvick at Bristol.
Bristol Motor Speedway’s History of Drama and Feuds
Although NASCAR is known for its high-speed excitement and tactical competition, the Bristol Motor Speedway has carved out a unique reputation as a hotbed for drama and feuds in the racing world.
Since its debut on the Cup Series calendar in 1961, this half-mile concrete track has provided not just memorable races but also post-race spectacles that have captivated fans. The track’s tight confines and high-intensity racing often lead to tempers flaring, with drivers sometimes losing their cool.
For instance, in 1995, Rusty Wallace famously hurled a bottle at Dale Earnhardt, a moment etched into NASCAR lore. Likewise, Tony Stewart’s helmet throw at Matt Kenseth’s car in 2012 illustrated how emotions can boil over, turning the circuit into a theater of conflict.
The 2021 Bass Pro Shops Night Race – Kevin Harvick vs Chase Elliott
As tensions flared under the night lights of Bristol Motor Speedway in 2021, the Bass Pro Shops Night Race offered a dramatic showcase of skill and rivalry, embodying the unpredictable nature of NASCAR racing.
Veteran driver Kevin Harvick and rising star Chase Elliott were at the center of this intense contest. With 35 laps remaining, the duo collided while jockeying for the lead through challenging lapped traffic.
Elliott, after leading 52 laps, was forced to pit due to damage from the skirmish with Harvick’s No. 4 Ford.
- Elliott’s return to the track with new tires, intent on reclaiming lost ground.
- His tactical maneuver to impede Harvick, influencing the race’s outcome.
- Kyle Larson seizing the opportunity to secure victory.
- The heated confrontation between Elliott and Harvick post-race, marked by Elliott’s bold gesture and vocal exchange of words, capturing the crowd’s attention.
Post-Race Reactions and Fallout
The post-race reactions to the 2021 Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol were as fiery as the on-track action itself, highlighting the intense emotions and competitive spirit inherent in NASCAR.
Kevin Harvick’s blunt assessment of Chase Elliott’s actions, describing them as a “chicken sh– move,” emphasized the frustration he felt after losing his lead. Harvick emphasized the aggressive racing environment at Bristol and criticized Elliott for allegedly impeding his path, affecting the result for his Subway Ford Mustang team.
“I just told him it was kind of a chicken sh– move that he did there at the end. We’re racing for the freaking win at Bristol, three-wide in the middle and he throws a temper tantrum. I was just trying to get the lead, racing hard.”
“Then he pulls up in front of me and just sits there until I lose the whole lead. Just hate it for our Subway Ford Mustang team, to be able to lose a race like that. I watched him let the #24 go by, and then anytime you run into him, it’s a problem. They can boo all they want, I don’t care. I lost so much there, and when I got behind the car, I kept getting tied off the corner and I couldn’t run my line. I’m ready to rip somebody’s freaking head off.” – Kevin Harvick
Conversely, Chase Elliott defended his stance, challenging Harvick’s maneuvers and expressing his readiness to protect his interests and those of his team.
Elliott’s insistence on standing up to Harvick, regardless of the veteran driver’s stature, added another layer to their rivalry. The duo’s later private meeting seemed to have ameliorated tensions, hinting at a mutual understanding beyond the heated post-race comments, but the competitive fire remained visible.
“Whether he did it on purpose, it doesn’t matter. At some point, you have to draw the line. I don’t care who he is or how long he’s been doing it; I will stand up for myself and my team.” – Chase Elliott
2025 Bristol Night Race Preview – Denny Hamlin Chases History
With the anticipation building for this weekend’s Bristol Night Race, all eyes are on Denny Hamlin as he stands on the cusp of NASCAR history. The 44-year-old Joe Gibbs Racing driver aims to secure his third consecutive win at this legendary track.
Hamlin’s skill at Bristol is highlighted by his four career victories here, making him the favorite to triumph once more. His tactical approach is evident as he stresses hard work and careful preparation, preferring to handle simulation tasks himself to guarantee perfection.
“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I’m not going to win these races on raw talent anymore. I’m going to have to out-work people. I’m going to have to look at things that maybe other people aren’t looking at. I do most of the sim (simulator) work for all the (Joe Gibbs Racing) cars. I only trust myself to do it. That’s just the control freak in me to want to have everything absolutely perfect.” – Denny Hamlin
- Hamlin’s short-track expertise: His ability to dominate tracks like Martinsville, where he led 247 laps earlier this year, positions him strongly.
- Tire dynamics: Uncertainty surrounding the exact Goodyear tire compound could play a role.
- Competition: Rivals like Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, and Ryan Blaney are ready to challenge.
- Blaney’s motivation: Following a setback at Darlington, he seeks redemption.
News in Brief: Chase Elliott and Kevin Harvick Rivalry
As NASCAR heads to the 2025 Bristol Night Race, fans anticipate whether past tensions, like those between Harvick and Elliott in 2021, will resurface. With Denny Hamlin chasing a historic win, the race promises high stakes and potential drama on the half-mile track known for its intensity. The legacy of Bristol as a theater for fierce competition and memorable feuds looms large, setting the stage for another chapter in NASCAR’s storied history of rivalry and redemption.
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