Chase Elliott saw his chances in the Chase Elliott Bristol Night Race crash fade after a major incident on Lap 311, where contact with John Hunter Nemechek sent him into the wall and out of contention. The crash took place in Turns 3 and 4 at Bristol, putting a serious dent in Elliott’s playoff hopes as his No. 9 chevrolet/”>Chevrolet sustained significant damage.
Mid-Race Collision Alters Playoff Picture
During the intense racing action, Elliott found himself battling for position when he tried to move back to the bottom of the track to save his tires. However, in the crowded turn, there was insufficient space, resulting in his car slamming into the outside wall and being effectively taken out of the race. Elliott spoke with NBC Sports post-race to share his thoughts on the crash, suggesting confusion over what triggered the contact with Nemechek.
“stacked the lane up that much.”
—Chase Elliott, Driver
“It was a game of just how quick can you get to the bottom after a few laps to preserve your tires. I thought I was doing the smart thing,”
—Chase Elliott, Driver
“The Penske guys got position on me, so I was just trying to get back down in line. I got a huge shot from behind and I don’t know if he [Hunter Nemechek] had maybe gotten hit or I just stacked the lane up that much or what. Nonetheless, it happened, and it’s done. Looks like we’re in a bit of a pickle now.”
—Chase Elliott, Driver
Penske, Hamlin, and Nemechek’s Roles Examined
Others involved in the situation included the Penske drivers, who gained track position as Elliott tried to regain his spot in the lineup. John Hunter Nemechek’s view was that Denny Hamlin had gotten into his car, which then led to Nemechek’s contact with Elliott, sparking the crash. The sequence brought sudden frustration to a race already fraught with playoff pressure.
Frustration and Uncertainty for Elliott’s Team
Elliott’s disappointment was clear as he tried to assess whether Nemechek was pushed by Hamlin or if the lane simply bunched up as drivers scrambled for position. Chevrolet’s hopes were dashed as well, with Elliott now facing an uphill battle to keep his playoff chances alive. As the night race unfolded, questions remained about what the next steps would be for Elliott and his team in the postseason chase.
