Chase Elliott is entering a crucial race for Hendrick Motorsports, facing a significant playoff setback as he arrives at Gateway without his primary spotter. After a disappointing P17 finish in his postseason opener, Elliott will need to overcome numerous challenges, including the absence of one of his most trusted team members.
Unexpected Change in Elliott’s Spotter Lineup Ahead of Gateway
Chase Elliott’s playoff journey took a sharp detour before the upcoming event at World Wide Technology Raceway in Illinois, as his usual spotter Trey Poole will miss the race due to a personal family matter. Poole, who has been an essential part of Elliott’s entourage and a familiar voice during high-pressure moments, will not be in attendance for this critical playoff contest.
This absence is particularly notable because Poole is not just a colleague but also Elliott’s cousin, having joined the Hendrick Motorsports No. 9 team to replace long-time spotter Eddie D’Hondt. Elliott’s decision to bring Poole on board was strategic, meant to inject fresh energy and build an even stronger connection as they tackled high-stakes events together.
Without Poole calling the action from atop the spotter’s stand, Elliott will have to adapt quickly. Instead, Tyler Deering—who has already supported the team as an additional spotter during road-course weekends—will fill the role for this round at Gateway, adding another layer of adjustment for the driver and crew.
FOX Sports motorsports journalist Bob Pockrass confirmed the roster change, stating,
“Chase Elliott spotter Trey Poole is not on the roster for this weekend as he is on baby watch.”
—Bob Pockrass, FOX Sports motorsports reporter
Pockrass elaborated on the substitution:
“Chase Elliott spotter Trey Poole is not on the roster for this weekend as he is on baby watch. Tyler Deering, who has been with the 9 team as an additional spotter for road-course weekends, will fill in. Deering also will do the Jordan Anderson No. 32 car in Xfinity. — Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 4, 2025”
He continued with additional details:
“Tyler Deering, who has been with the 9 team as an additional spotter for road-course weekends, will fill in. Deering also will do the Jordan Anderson No. 32 car in Xfinity,”
—Bob Pockrass, FOX Sports motorsports reporter
Struggles and History at World Wide Technology Raceway
World Wide Technology Raceway has remained one of the more problematic venues for Chase Elliott in the NASCAR Cup Series. Out of all the active tracks, Gateway is the only circuit where the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion has yet to secure a top-10 finish. Elliott’s two previous attempts resulted in a P21 in 2022 and a P13 earlier this season, demonstrating how challenging the Illinois venue has been for him.
Confidence coming into this pivotal race is further dampened as Elliott has only secured one top-10 in his last six outings. Given those results, the team is facing both a daunting racetrack and recent performance concerns, making Poole’s absence even more impactful during this high-stress playoff stretch.
Evolving Spotter Dynamics for the No. 9 Team
Spotters are crucial in NASCAR, serving as the driver’s second set of eyes and providing vital guidance throughout every race. The change from Eddie D’Hondt to Trey Poole last year was a considered move by Elliott, who wanted a new direction and trusted perspective beside him. Reflecting on the transition, Elliott recalled the collaborative process in selecting his cousin:
“We just got to a point where we felt like if we were going to make a change, now was the right time to do it.”
—Chase Elliott
Although Poole lacks the championship-level experience of D’Hondt, Elliott emphasized the personal strength of his relationship with Poole, confident that the connection would yield results under pressure. He also reflected on his appreciation for D’Hondt’s contributions:
“And, look, Ed’s been a great teammate. I love Ed. We still have a good relationship even today. He’s been a huge part of our team for a long time. I don’t want that to get lost in translation. I think a lot of him as a person, and he’s done a lot for me,”
—Chase Elliott
Poole’s prior work as a secondary spotter before his promotion offered continuity, but stepping into full-time duties brought heightened expectations and scrutiny—something both he and Elliott approached with enthusiasm and shared understanding.
What Lies Ahead for Chase Elliott and Hendrick Motorsports
This weekend at Gateway, Elliott and the Hendrick Motorsports team face a critical test as they aim to recover from a rough start to the postseason. With trusted partner Poole absent and Tyler Deering stepping in, adaptation will be essential. Elliott’s history at this racetrack provides motivation to rewrite past struggles, but past results and recent form suggest the team must deliver their best under challenging circumstances.
The outcome at World Wide Technology Raceway will likely influence the remainder of Elliott’s playoff campaign. As the battle for NASCAR supremacy heats up, all eyes will be on Elliott to see if he and the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports crew can rise above adversity and keep their championship hopes alive, despite the high-stakes setback and shifting dynamics within the team.
