During the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday, Chase Elliott was involved in a dramatic crash that has since drawn significant attention. The Chase Elliott Bristol crash incident occurred on Lap 311 after contact with John Hunter Nemechek and Denny Hamlin, leaving Elliott’s car badly damaged and impacting the race‘s playoff dynamics.
Dawsonville Driver’s Crash Disrupts Playoff Race at Bristol
Chase Elliott, the 2020 Cup Series champion and standout Hendrick Motorsports driver, was running in the top lane when a chain reaction led him into the outside wall between Turns 3 and 4. The impact severely damaged the front of his car, causing concern among his team and competitors. Alex Bowman, Elliott’s teammate at Hendrick Motorsports, watched the crash unfold and hoped Elliott was unharmed, expressing his shock over team radio:
“That was awful. Hopefully, he’s all right.”
—Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports driver
This incident unfolded during the final race of the Round of 16 in the 2025 NASCAR Playoffs, marking a high-stakes moment for drivers. With Josh Berry of Wood Brothers Racing also falling out due to failed brake rotors, the playoff field set for the Round of 12 became even more competitive. The crash not only complicated Elliott’s championship quest but intensified the scramble for advancement among drivers like Kyle Larson, who aimed for his third consecutive sweep at Bristol.
Elliott Describes His Perspective on the Multi-Car Collision
After the wreck, Chase Elliott spoke to NBC Sports, reflecting on what happened in the moments leading up to the crash. Attempting to protect his tires and maintain position in the high-intensity environment of Bristol, Elliott explained his strategy and uncertainty about the exact cause:
“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 recalled.
“The Penske guys got position on me, so I was just trying to get back down in line.”
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Cup Series driver
He further elaborated on the confusion surrounding the contact, mentioning that he might have stacked the lane or that John Hunter Nemechek was pushed from behind by Denny Hamlin:
“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,”
he added. —Chase Elliott, NASCAR Cup Series driver
What Lies Ahead for Elliott and Other Playoff Contenders
With the Bristol event concluded, focus now shifts to the upcoming Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, which will kick off the Round of 12 in the playoffs. The race will take place on Sunday, September 21, and broadcast coverage will be available on USA, with radio through PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. As the championship battle tightens, drivers like Chase Elliott must regroup quickly to keep their title hopes alive while managing the intense pressure and unpredictability that playoff racing brings.
This recent crash emphasizes the high-stakes drama at each stage of NASCAR’s playoffs and the razor-thin margin for error drivers face, especially when battling in crowded lanes at fast tracks like Bristol. Fans and teams alike will now look to New Hampshire, where the competition remains fierce and every lap can make or break a championship campaign.
