"Shameful NASCAR rules"; "His fault stop crying" - Fans divided over Chase Elliott's blend line penalty

Hendrick Motorsport's #9 driver Chase Elliott was handed a penalty for violating blend line regulations as he exited pit road in the Brickyard 400 on Sunday. Elliot was also penalized at Pocono last week.

As per NASCAR's regulations, when vehicles exit the pit road, they must use the acceleration lane through the exit of turn two. Drivers are allowed to swing wide beyond the surface line on the acceleration lane between turns one and two while staying off the racetrack.

Chase Elliott started the race at the Indianapolis Oval in P3, after a strong performance in the Qualifying session. Elliot had been racing for the lead with Tyler Reddick throughout, until his pit stop, which eventually led to the penalty sanctioned on the #9 driver.

Here's a look at Elliott serving a pass-through penalty:

Several fans have reacted to NASCAR's decision to sanction a penalty against the HMS driver with different opinions.

"His fault stop crying," one fan said.

"Shameful NASCAR rules," another fan said.

"It’s obvious you have to keep ALL four below second line therefore staying in your lane," one fan said.

"NASCAR has it in for the Hendrick teams. Grrrrr," another fan said.

However, one particular fan took Chase Elliott's side and criticized NASCAR for its rules and regulations.

"Stupid rule that means nothing to racing! Stop making so many arbitrary “rules” that only make the racing less enjoyable for the fans. We know you have to protect the Toyotas at all cost, but it’s got to stop. If they can’t win on their own, boot them!" the fan said.

Chase Elliott was heard on the team radio expressing his frustration while disagreeing with the penalty. The penalty caused him to go a lap down, which infuriated the #9 driver. The Atheltic's Jordan Bianchi shared a post on X, stating the #9 driver's words.

"That's not right. I did exactly what the f***ing sheet said to do," Elliott said.

Elliott currently leads the driver standings, with 703 regular season points. However, his chances to succeed in becoming the regular season champion might be at stake, as the top four in the leaderboard are separated by just 20 points.

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"It can certainly wear on you" - Chase Elliott comments on NASCAR's two-week break after Brickyard 400

NASCAR has decided to go on a two-week break, after the historical return of the Cup Series to the Indianapolis Oval. The break is facilitated by the commencement of the Olympic Games in Paris.

In an interview with the "Cup Scene" on Friday, Chase Elliott talked about how important breaks can prove to be, for drivers and teams alike.

"so often I think we forget about that and just how much of a grind it is for everybody. For you guys, this is a long time on the road. I’m sure everybody is looking forward to a couple of weeks of not having to travel on Thursday or Friday, and getting home late Sunday night and being tired all day Monday. It can certainly wear on you. People have families, they have homes and things to tend to," Elliott said. [06:15]

Following the two-week break, the Cup Series will get back on track on August 11 to race in the Cook Out 400, at Richmond Raceway.