Former NASCAR Cup Series champion Chase Elliott is predicted to overlook a number of weeks of competitors after present process profitable surgical procedure for a fractured leg Friday night time.
Elliott injured his left leg in a snowboarding accident in Colorado Friday and underwent a three-hour surgical procedure Friday night. Hendrick Motorsports President Jeff Andrews stated Saturday morning that Elliott is recovering effectively and that he’s anticipated to be launched from the hospital Saturday.
Xfinity Series driver Josh Berry will fill in for Elliott in Sunday’s Cup race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and is predicted to proceed to substitute for Elliott whereas he’s recovering.
“I expect it (Elliott’s absence) to be several weeks, but beyond that I don’t have a timeline,” Andrews stated. “I can’t reiterate enough for Mr. (Rick) Hendrick and Hendrick Motorsports that the most important thing is Chase’s health and well being. We’re going to race a long time together and win a lot of races. We’ll have a seat ready for him when he’s healthy and ready to get back in a race car.”
Andrews stated Hendrick Motorsports has utilized to NASCAR for a waiver that might permit Elliott to take part within the Cup Series playoffs if he qualifies.
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Sunday’s race will mark the third Cup begin for Berry. He ran two races for Spire Motorsports in 2021. A daily within the Xfinity Series, Berry drives for JR Motorsports. He scored three Xfinity wins in 2022 and completed fourth in sequence factors. He has gained twice at LVMS.
Berry, who hasn’t pushed a Next Gen Cup automotive, stated his success at Las Vegas ought to velocity his technique of adapting.
“A lot happened really fast,” Berry stated. “The fact that I’ve won here twice in Xfinity definitely makes it a lot easier. I’ll be learning a new car in an hour or so (in practice). Success at the track definitely gives me more confidence in what I’m doing.”
Berry stated he appreciates the chance to race a Cup automotive however regrets the circumstances.
“This is Chase’s ride and his opportunity,” Berry stated. “I’m just thankful that Mr. H and everybody at Hendrick Motorsports thought of me to fill in for him at this moment. Without a doubt, it’s a great challenge for me, but a great opportunity to grow and learn as a driver and work around a lot of smart people. I’ll take it one lap at a time, one day at a time.
“It’s been a wild couple of days. You never know what will happen when you wake up.”
Kyle Busch stated Saturday he had reached out to Elliott to supply recommendation and help. Busch missed races after struggling a damaged leg close to the beginning of the 2015 season and went on to win the championship. He stated he expects Elliott to be out not less than a month.
Andrews stated he didn’t anticipate a Hendrick Motorsports coverage change concerning non-racing actions drivers are allowed to take part in. “These guys have to go out and live a life outside of the race track,” he stated. “Certainly, what Chase was doing wasn’t anything abnormal for him. He’s an experienced snowboarder, been doing it most of his life. It was an accident.”
