Chase Elliott BLASTS No. 9 Team’s Strategy After New Hampshire Disappointment!
In a stunning display of frustration, NASCAR superstar Chase Elliott pulled no punches in critiquing the pit strategy employed by his No. 9 team during the Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The Hendrick Motorsports driver, who kicked off the race from a less-than-ideal position, felt the strategic choices made by his crew ultimately hindered his chances for a better finish.
After a rocky start that saw him stuck among the backmarkers, Elliott clawed his way into the top ten by Stage 2, showcasing his incredible racing skill. However, it was the Team Penske Fords that dominated, demonstrating superior tire management and maintaining their lead throughout the race. But it was during the final stage that Elliott’s team faced a critical decision point. Following a caution triggered by Cody Ware’s spin, the majority of the front-runners opted to pit for fresh tires, while Elliott and teammate Josh Berry made the controversial call to stay out.
With 12-lap old tires, Elliott was unable to fend off the relentless charge from Joey Logano, who swiftly passed him. Still, the determined driver managed to hold off Christopher Bell and secured a respectable fifth-place finish. Reflecting on the day’s events, Elliott expressed his disappointment with the strategic decision, stating, “The day was good for the No. 9 Chevy team. Just hate we had to not pit for track position because you want to be up there in the mix. But the way it all worked out, we got some stage points there in Stage Two and got a good result with a top-five finish.”
Now, with an eye on the upcoming Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway, Elliott is determined to improve his standing. Currently sitting in seventh place in the playoff rankings, he holds a 14-point cushion over Chase Briscoe, who is chasing closely behind. Meanwhile, fellow HMS teammate William Byron showcased his prowess by finishing third in New Hampshire, solidifying his position in the playoff battle, while Ryan Blaney’s victory at the event has propelled him to the top of the standings.
In a recent interview with Fox’s Chris Weaver, Elliott further elaborated on the critical nature of track position in modern racing, emphasizing, “That’s kind of the name of the game nowadays. Everybody’s pretty close and you know, you get those top five or six guys and throughout a race and you give them the lead at the right time, they’re probably going to win.”
As he gears up for the Kansas race, Elliott is laser-focused on reclaiming his winning ways, having last triumphed at the track in 2018. The question remains: will the No. 9 team learn from their missteps, or will they face another setback in their pursuit of victory? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Chase Elliott is ready to lay it all on the line!
