Chase Elliott lost it at the most recent NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono because of a contested penalty that might have affected his hopes of winning the regular season championship.
Elliott was fined for an early merge back onto the track from pit road, using a tactic like to that of his racing rival Denny Hamlin.
Elliott broke the rules pertaining to blend lines for speeding on pit road and making an incorrect merge onto the racetrack.
Did Chase Elliott deserve a blend line penalty here? pic.twitter.com/eX9EPiOGRU
— Always Race Day (@AlwaysRaceDay) July 21, 2024
Chase Elliott, who had not had a pit-road speeding penalty in 92 races, on the pit-road speeding penalty last week in a zone that some thought there was a possible issue with at Pocono as most of the field sped there in their prerace check: pic.twitter.com/gvfnIGzrsE
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 19, 2024
These rules state that drivers are required to use the warm-up lane until they exit turn 2. Elliott’s acrimonious response to the penalty was captured during the heated exchange that took place over the team radio. According to Essentially Sports, he said.
“I mean, what the f***. They sent out the f***ing sheet, and I did exactly what it said to do.”
The incident drew immediate confusion and concern from Elliott’s crew chief, Alan Gustafson, who was quick to seek clarification from race officials.
“I mean, what the f***. They sent out the f***ing sheet, and I did exactly what it said to do.”
The incident drew immediate confusion and concern from Elliott’s crew chief, Alan Gustafson, who was quick to seek clarification from race officials.
Gustafson reported over the team radio
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“I need an explanation from an official why we’re getting a penalty.” Elliott’s position and possibly his status in the championship points were greatly impacted by the drive-thru penalty he was forced to execute during the race. He placed ninth at the end of the race.
