Chase Elliott labels his owners-playoff entry a testament to Alan Gustafson’s prowess, claims ‘It’s a really big deal’
Chase Elliott missed the Chase for the championship for the first time in his career this seaosn.
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Chase Elliott and Alan Gustafson (Via IMAGO)
The 2023 season so far has been a big nightmare for Hendrick Motorsport’s Chase Elliott. The 2020 Cup champion failed to make it to the playoff for the first time in his career. The only silver lining, though, in the tough times, is the fact that his No:9 team is in the owner’s playoff, and he has a shot at redemption. He gave his crew chief, Alan Gustafson, all the credit for the team’s achievements.
Elliott found himself in an unfortunate situation after he missed out on seven Cup events this year. He was sidelined for six races following a tibia injury he suffered due to a snowboarding accident ahead of the Fontana Cup event. NASCAR suspended him for once after he deliberately wrecked Denny Hamlin from the right rear.
While talking about his owner’s playoff entry and title chase, Elliott pointed out that he is glad his car has secured the spot. He said that the entry is a testament to his crew chief and No:9 crew as they were able to be in the fight amidst his long absence. The Chevy driver said that it’s a big deal for him and the team. He added that he is planning to make some noise from Darlington, the first of the ten post-season races.
“I’m glad the car got in. That’s a big deal and a testament to Alan (Gustafson) and our team for just continuing to fight while I was gone. There is a lot of opportunity on that side of things, and it is a really big deal. I would like to go and make some noise on that front,” Elliott said, as reported by Speedwaymedia.
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Alan Gustafson says he has a clear direction going into this Sunday’s race at Darlington
Darlington Raceway will host the first of the three races in the round of 16. For the driver in the bottom of the last 16 tables, it’s their shot at making it or getting eliminated in round one. For Eliott, it’s his time to step up the game and produce solid runs that could yield him enough points to secure the deep owner’s playoff run.
Gustafson is confident that they are on the right track going into the race compared to their summer outing at the track. The team has a clear direction going into the weekend, as it will be the first non-restrictive plate track Elliott will be driving in 2023.
“The spring race was good, and I thought we had a solid car. Not as good as we wanted to have, but it’s nice going back there. It’s the first non-restrictor plate track we’re going back to with Chase (Elliott), which is good,” Gustafson said.
“That’s made this week feel a little different too as far as preparation goes. Because we raced it with him, we have a little bit clearer direction on what we need to improve on. So, that’s really been the difference this week.” Gustafson added.
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Justin P Joy
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