Chase Elliott’s Unfortunate Collision: Josh Berry Speaks Out After Disastrous Race at Gateway!
In a dramatic twist at the World Wide Technology Raceway, Toyota showcased its dominance by placing six cars in the top 10. Yet, the day took a shocking turn when the No. 9 Chevrolet driven by Chase Elliott collided with Josh Berry’s No. 21 Ford, resulting in a catastrophic crash that sent Berry straight to the garage after just 36 laps in the Enjoy Illinois 300.
This was not just another day on the track for Berry. Despite competitive positioning, running 15th during a fierce three-wide battle with Joey Logano, disaster struck as Elliott made a late move, inadvertently clipping Berry’s vehicle as they entered Turn 1. The collision was brutal—sending Berry crashing into the SAFER barrier and leaving his Ford mangled, with the front-left tire completely detached. The damage was extensive enough that his crew couldn’t make repairs, forcing him to accept a disheartening last-place finish and severely jeopardizing his playoff aspirations.
Even amidst this chaos, Berry displayed remarkable sportsmanship, refusing to demonize Elliott for the incident. “It looked like Chase just made a late move and got a little loose and was just enough to slide up into us. I don’t think it was anything intentional by no means. Just an unfortunate scenario, I guess,” he stated, showcasing a level-headed response to a frustrating situation.
The stakes were raised even higher due to the duo’s shared history. Earlier in 2023, while Elliott was sidelined with a snowboarding injury, Berry filled in for him in five races, fostering a camaraderie that made the collision all the more painful. Elliott, visibly shaken, expressed his remorse in a heartfelt post-race apology, saying, “First off, just want to apologize to Josh and the 21 team. I had no intention of getting into him. I’ve known those guys my whole life, so I just hope that they at least know it wasn’t anything intentional, and I’ve known Josh for a long time too. Just want to make sure those guys know that I feel terrible about that. Felt terrible about it right when it happened, and wish I could take it back. But yeah, unfortunately, that transpired.”
As the playoffs loom with Bristol as the final Round of 16 venue, Berry now finds himself in a precarious position, sitting in 16th place and a daunting 45 points behind the cut-off for safety. The reality is stark: it’s win or watch the playoff dreams evaporate in an instant.
This race has not only reshaped the trajectory of Berry’s season but has also ignited intense discussions about accountability and the unpredictable nature of racing. As fans eagerly anticipate the next showdown, all eyes will be on both drivers as they navigate the emotional and competitive pressures of the sport.
The collision at Gateway has left an indelible mark, reminding everyone that in the high-stakes world of NASCAR, one moment can change everything. Will Josh Berry rise from the ashes, or will this fateful day at the track haunt him as he battles for playoff survival? Only time will tell!
