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Former NASCAR Cup Series champion Chase Elliott is in a do-or-die situation in the 2024 Playoff Round of 8. The Hendrick Motorsports racer was told to put caution aside while competing with teammate Kyle Larson during the Straight Talk Wireless 400 race at Homestead-Miami.
Being at the bottom of the elimination bubble for Championship 4, Elliott and HMS's #9 team were in a must-win situation for the Miami race. With 60 laps to go for the checkered flag, the Dawsonville-born racer was engaged in a battle for second position with teammate Larson.
Despite being close friends, Elliott's spotter gave clear instructions to defend the position against the #5 driver. NASCAR journalist Danielle Trotta shared Elliott's radio message on X:
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"WOW 👀 Chase Elliott spotter telling Chase that Larson “is not your teammate right now” 60 to go Chase will need a win to make Champ 4. Chase and Larson running 2nd & 3rd w 59 to go"
Since going live, Trotta's post has received a lot of reactions from NASCAR fans. One fan wrote:
"It's "Every man for himself" time."
"Why is that a wow?? Did no one listen to Rudy Fugle last week when he said they needed to win too?" another fan questioned.
"I wouldn’t expect him to say anything but that, he’s 100% correct," a fan replied.
"It's true, though. This is championship time, gotta race for your own," another fan wrote.
"Always been the case Danielle," a fan said.
"He's right. And stop trying to create drama," another fan wrote.
"I'm excited for Martinsville, should be a good opportunity for us" - Hendrick Motorsports' Chase Elliott stays focused for Martinsville despite missing the Championship 4 opportunity at Homestead-Miami
Chase Elliott finished the Straight Talk Wireless 400 race at Homestead-Miami in fifth place. Despite missing the chance to capture a Championship 4 berth at the race, the #9 Hendrick Motorsports driver is focused on maximizing his performance at the upcoming race in Martinsville.
Elliott explained his day at Miami in the post-race interview.
"Nice to be up there in contention leading laps and you know, actually kind of being a part of the ball game. So that that was fun. Pit crew did a great job on pit road. You know, it really, I thought top to bottom, it was just a really well rounded day," he said (0:13 onwards).
"So just a good day to build on, I think. And we'll get going next mile and a half whenever that is next year. But I'm excited for Martinsville, should be a good opportunity for us. Knowing that Hendrick has had the success at Martinsville," Elliott added (0:55 onwards).
As of now, Elliott is placed eighth in the driver's table. He is currently at the bottom of the elimination bubble for the Championship 4.
