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Chase Elliott No. 9 car destroyed in contact with John Hunter Nemechek, sparks blame game with Denny Hamlin

JHby: Jonathan Howard6 hours agoJondean25
Chase Elliott NASCAR Bristol
Screenshot credit: NASCAR via X.com

Danger for NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver! Chase Elliott and his No. 9 car are in the garage after a wreck with John Hunter Nemechek. Nemechek blamed Denny Hamlin for the incident. Either way, Elliott is out of the race and will have to watch helplessly as he hopes to avoid elimination.

As far as points go, it looks like Alex Bowman is going to have to win the race to knock Chase Elliott out of the NASCAR Playoffs. Elliott can thank his points lead he had coming into tonight, and what he did prior to his wreck for that.

So, who caused this wreck? Nemechek says Hamlin got into him and made him bump Elliott. What do you think?

Chase Elliott needed to get down to the bottom lane. Tires were wearing out too quickly on the outside. Drivers lost so many spots when they were left on the second lane for a long period of time. We have seen it with Denny Hamlin, Bubba Wallace, and others tonight.

Now, Elliott may have come down too early in front of Nemechek. The 42 could have checked up, but that’s his position to hold, too. Then, with the contact from Hamlin, it was like another extra hit to the 42 and the 9, which finished the job.

At this point, Alex Bowman has to win the race to advance to the Round of 12. However, if Bowman wins, Chase Elliott is eliminated. Not a great place to be if you are Hendrick Motorsports.

Chase Elliott reacts to wreck with John Hunter Nemechek

After leaving the race and the care center, Chase Elliott spoke to the NBC broadcast. It was a disappointing result, and one that Elliott can’t do anything about at this point. The No. 9 car was wrecked and far beyond repair.

Speaking about the wreck, Elliott didn’t necessarily blame anyone. He gave his take based on what he felt and saw.

“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,” Elliott said. “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.”