The NASCAR Cup Series will be without one of its best racers for at least a race, and possibly longer.
Chase Elliott, who won the Series Cup in 2020 and has finished fourth in the standings in each of the last two seasons, will miss at least this weekend’s race in Las Vegas with a leg injury.
Elliott’s team, Hendrick Motorsports, confirmed the news on Friday.
“Elliott, the 2020 Cup Series champion, suffered the injury to his left leg today while snowboarding in Colorado,” the statement on HendrickMotorSports.com said. “He is scheduled to undergo surgery this evening. Josh Berry, 32, will fill in for Elliott in Sunday’s event at Las Vegas. Driving for Hendrick Motorsports affiliate JR Motorsports, he is a five-time race winner in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The Hendersonville, Tennessee, native has made two previous starts at the Cup level.”
“Chase’s health is our primary concern,” team owner Rick Hendrick said in the statement.”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.”
NASCAR fans sent Elliott their best wishes following the news.
Wishing Chase Elliott a speedy recovery & successful surgery.
“The 2020 Cup Series champion, suffered the injury to his left leg today while snowboarding in Colorado. He is scheduled to undergo surgery this evening .” https://t.co/JmbPDCUTDP
— Alison Mastrangelo (@AlisonWSB) March 4, 2023
Wishing a speedy recovery to Clyde. Hate to see any athlete get any kind of injury especially during season. https://t.co/VgTUF5171w
— Cody Mitchell (@CodyMitchell44) March 4, 2023
Prayers @chaseelliott 🙏🏻
Hoping all goes well with the surgery and wishing you a speedy recovery champ! https://t.co/dfdk6ySkSG— di9 Designs (@di9Designs) March 4, 2023
Get better soon!
— Scott Ford (@scott_ford) March 4, 2023
As far as what it means going forward? That’s unclear at least until Elliott’s surgery is completed and we get a better sense of how much time he’ll miss.
Even if Elliott does miss significant time, NASCAR Insider Alan Cavanna tweeted that “NASCAR can and does issue medical waivers when it comes to playoff eligibility.”
Few details at this point. There is no need to speculate.
Things to remember:
– NASCAR can and does issue medical waivers when it comes to playoff eligibility
– There’s is no longer a requirement to be in the top-30 in points to be playoff eligible.
— Alan Cavanna (@AlanCavanna) March 4, 2023
If Elliott returns and wins a race, something he’s done in each of the last five seasons, he’ll be eligible for the NASCAR playoffs if he gets a waiver.
[Hendrick Motor Sports.com, Alan Cavanna]
