NASCAR driver Chase Elliott has been suspended for one race after deliberately colliding with Denny Hamlin during a recent race. The incident occurred during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday, November 1st, 2020.
The collision happened during the final laps of the race, when Elliott was leading and Hamlin was in second place. Hamlin made contact with Elliott’s car, causing him to spin out and lose his lead. In response, Elliott drove his car into Hamlin’s, causing both cars to crash and ending their chances of winning the race.
The incident sparked controversy among NASCAR fans and officials, with many calling for disciplinary action against Elliott. On Tuesday, November 3rd, NASCAR announced that Elliott would be suspended for one race and fined $50,000 for his actions.
In a statement released by NASCAR, the organization stated that “NASCAR has made it clear to our competitors that the deliberate wrecking of another competitor will not be tolerated. Given the gravity of the situation, we have decided to suspend Chase Elliott for one race and fine him $50,000.”
Elliott has since apologized for his actions, stating that he let his emotions get the best of him in the heat of the moment. “I made a mistake and I apologize to Denny, his team, and everyone affected by my actions,” he said in a statement.
The suspension means that Elliott will not be able to compete in the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday, November 8th. He will be replaced by driver Alex Bowman for the race.
The incident has once again highlighted the intense competition and rivalries that exist within NASCAR. While drivers are encouraged to push themselves and their cars to the limit, there are rules in place to ensure that they do so safely and respectfully.
As NASCAR continues to evolve and adapt to changing times, it is likely that incidents like this will continue to occur. However, with clear rules and consequences in place, the hope is that drivers will think twice before engaging in dangerous or unsportsmanlike behavior on the track.
