The 2023 season proved to be a challenging year for Hendrick Motorsports’ Golden Boy, Chase Elliott. He encountered setbacks early on, missing six races due to a snowboarding injury and one due to suspension. Even upon his return, he struggled to find momentum on the track, ultimately missing out on a playoff spot for the first time ever with Hendrick Motorsports. To compound matters, Elliott continued to face difficulties, with tensions rising further after receiving a penalty in the last race at COTA. In response, his veteran Crew Chief voiced criticism against NASCAR’s policing decisions.
Chase Elliott crew chief breaks his silence against the officials
🗯️ "I'm in favor of some warning system. I feel like drivers need to know when (there's an) infraction."
Does the punishment fit the crime?
More from @Hendrick9Team crew chief Alan Gustafson on track limits and how they can be fixed moving forward → https://t.co/MKhd9eLXG8 pic.twitter.com/tvLvu1pyso
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) March 27, 2024
While acknowledging that the infraction technically adhered to the “letter of the law,” Gustafson believed the penalty was excessively severe for the offense committed. He advocated for a warning system, allowing drivers to be aware of infractions before they escalate during a race.
As per the post of SiriusXM NASCAR, Gustafson said, “I think in my opinion the letter of the law that we’re in fraction, but the penalty was just way too stiff the crime, and in that situation, I don’t think we gained anything. I’m in favor of some warning system. I feel like the drivers need to know when they’re in infraction and you. We didn’t have any infractions during practice, and then having infractions during the race up until that point.”
NASCAR reacts against the penalty questions of COTA
#NASCAR's Elton Sawyer admits there's "some work to be done" on their end when it comes to figuring out how to officiate track limits moving forward at @COTA and on other road courses.
🗣️ "It doesn't need to be about the officiating."
More → https://t.co/MKhd9eLXG8 pic.twitter.com/dGQDfy6kYp
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) March 26, 2024
An astonishing 40 penalties were issued across all three races for drivers veering off the designated racing line by cutting corners. In fact, this count doesn’t even include additional penalties incurred during practice and qualifying sessions.
Elton Sawyer, speaking on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, expressed his views on the situation.
“I commend our team and the tower. I thought they did a good job, but it’s way too much about us and not enough about the athletes and our teams and our pitstops and strategy and things of that nature. Some work to be done.”
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