NASCAR
CONCORD, N.C. – Chase Elliott will be back behind the wheel of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Sunday, for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway. Elliott has been out of the car recovering from a leg injury since early March.
Elliott, 27, fractured his left tibia while snowboarding on March 3 and underwent successful surgery at The Steadman Clinic, a U.S. Olympic National Medical Center in Vail, Colorado. The 2020 Cup Series champion then remained in Colorado to rehab his injury. In late March he would return home to Dawsonville, Georgia. Elliott has continued physical therapy ever since.
Medically cleared for a NASCAR return on Tuesday, Elliott tested that day and Wednesday morning in the Chevrolet Driver-in-the-Loop simulator in Concord, North Carolina. It was after that where he decided to race again at Martinsville this weekend.
“We’re looking forward to having Chase back in his race car to pick up where he left off,” said Rick Hendrick, team owner. “Since the injury, he’s worked extremely hard and focused all his time and energy on returning to the No. 9 team. Throughout the last six weeks, he’s stayed fully engaged with everything we’re doing, and we know he’s chomping at the bit to get on the racetrack and compete for wins.”
Josh Berry substitute drove the No. 9 for Elliott in five of the last six Cup Series races. His best finish was second, coming at Richmond Raceway two weeks ago. Jordan Taylor also drove the No. 9 at Circuit of The Americas, starting fourth and finishing 24th. In his NASCAR debut, the road racing standout performed respectably given the circumstances.
“Having such high-caliber drivers available was a huge benefit, especially under difficult circumstances,” said Jeff Andrews, Hendrick Motorsports President and General Manager. “Josh and Jordan each brought a tremendous amount of professionalism to our team, and we’re truly grateful for their contributions. Their preparation and talent made a big difference. We can’t overstate it.”
Hendrick Motorsports has also received a waiver from NASCAR to allow Elliott eligibility for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Should Elliott win one of the next 18 races, he will make up the 16-driver postseason.
Hendrick Motorsports has shown incredible speed lately from all of their cars. With this in mind, Elliott should be in great position to immediately contend for wins. He was already off to a strong start to 2023 prior to his injury, with a runner-up result at California. It will be of little surprise to see the 9 quickly return to form as a front runner.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credit to Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images for NASCAR
