Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 NASCAR Chevy Camaro ZL1 in the Cup Series, will not race this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway due to a leg injury sustained on Friday, March 3rd, 2023.
According to a press release from Hendrick Motorsports, the team that fields the No. 9 Camaro for Elliott, NASCAR’s current most popular driver severely injured his left leg while snowboarding in Colorado. Elliott underwent surgery on Friday night as a result of the injury, the extent of which has not been disclosed. As such, he will not be able to compete in the Cup Series race at Las Vegas on Sunday, March 5th.
“Chase’s health is our primary concern,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “He’s spoken with several members of our team and is understandably disappointed to miss time in the car. Of course, he has our full support, and we’ll provide any resources he needs. We hope to share another update later this weekend.”
Xfinity Series regular Josh Berry will take control of the No. 9 Camaro in Elliott’s stead. Berry pilots the No. 8 Chevy Camaro in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports fulltime, and will pull double duty this weekend at Las Vegas. Previously, Berry has made two Cup Series starts.
“It’s been an interesting day,” Berry said in an interview during qualifying for the Xfinity Series. “Obviously, first off, I just hope Chase will recover, and get back in the [No. 9 Camaro] soon. But, like you said, it’s a great opportunity for me. I just really want to thank Mr. Hendrick and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports who think enough of me to do it. It’s going to be interesting, but I’m looking forward to doing it.”
At this time, it’s unclear when Elliott will be able to race again, or if Berry will continue to drive the No. 9 Chevy in the Cup Series should Elliott be sidelined for more than one race.
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Comments
No doubt, there will be many who will be asking about clauses in the contract which states what activities are prohibited from participating in. Myself, I just want to wish this young man a speedy, full and complete recovery. Chase is one of the bright lights on the Nascar circuit that everyone has eyes on; in that top echelon tier of driver where there are fans on both sides of the fence; hero driver on one, despised on the other. The sport needs those drivers and for that, he is no different than Earnhardt Sr was; Gordon, Kyle Busch. Get well, Mr Elliott!
Rick Hendrick changed his position on extracurricular activities. He believed that his drivers could not race in other series or partake in risky behavior for fear of injury.
However, he changed his position after signing Kyle Larson for 2021. We don’t know exactly what’s in Elliot’s contract. Right now I just hope he gets well soon and back in the No. 9 Camaro.
Hendrick Motorsports stated today that it would not pursue any policy changes in regard to a driver’s activities outside racing.
When Rick Hendrick changed his policy in 2021 on extracurricular activities he let his drivers know very well if they get injured, they will be replaced. I’m sure Elliot will only be temporarily replaced until he full recovers. Also pretty sure NASCAR will give him a waiver for the playoffs. Similar to Kyle Busch and Tony Stewart.
Oh man! This is terrible news. It appears to be a very serious injury. I wish him a speedy and complete recovery. I hope to see him back on the track as soon as he is able.