2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion, Chase Elliott, will be benched from Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series event at WWT Raceway, after it was found that the Hendrick Motorsports driver intentionally wrecked Denny Hamlin in Monday’s Coca-Cola 600.
Elliott, who missed six races earlier this year after suffering a fractured left tibia, will miss another event, as the driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro attempts to claw his way back up the points and into contention for the Playoffs.
According to NASCAR’s Penalty Report, Elliott violated Sections 4.3.A; 4.4.C & E of the NASCAR Cup Series Rule Book, which specifically refers to the NASCAR Member Code of Conduct.
“We understand NASCAR’s need to maintain consistency in its officiating,” said Hendrick Motorsports in a team statement.”The penalty will not be appealed, and we will submit a formal request for a playoff waiver.”
Corey LaJoie, who usually pilots the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro for Spire Motorsports, will serve as the interim driver of the NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro this weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway.
“We are grateful to Corey for stepping in and to the team at Spire Motorsports for making him available,” said the organization.
Hendrick Motorsports will apply for – another – Playoff waiver for Chase Elliott, after missing his seventh event of 2023 at Gateway.
This is a developing story. Additional details will be added to the story as they become available.