Chase Elliott suffered a severe crash on Lap 311 of Sunday’s Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway after a collision involving John Hunter Nemechek and Denny Hamlin triggered a chain reaction. The impact forced Elliott’s car hard into the outside wall, causing significant front-end damage. The incident occurred during the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, which served as the final race in the Round of 16 for the 2025 NASCAR playoffs.
Elliott’s teammate at Hendrick Motorsports, Alex Bowman, was visibly shaken by the crash, expressing concern for Elliott’s well-being as his No. 9 car sustained heavy damage. Bowman, who drives the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro, radioed his team with worry after witnessing the collision unfold on track.
“That was awful. Hopefully, he’s all right.”
The race also saw Wood Brothers Racing’s Josh Berry eliminated from playoff contention when his car’s brake rotors failed, leaving three more drivers to be knocked out ahead of the Round of 12. Meanwhile, Elliott, a former Cup Series champion, remains in contention for his second title, alongside teammate Kyle Larson, who is aiming for his third consecutive win at Bristol.
Details Behind the Crash and Elliott’s Immediate Reaction
Just moments before the crash, Elliott was running along the high lane of Bristol but decided to move down to the bottom lane, hoping for a better run. Unfortunately, space was limited between cars on the track, leading to the collision. Elliott later shared his thoughts about the sequence of events in an interview with NBC Sports, explaining the difficulty of navigating traffic on the tight lane.
“It was a game of just how quick can you get to the bottom after a few laps to preserve your tires. I thought I was doing the smart thing,”
“The Penske guys got position on me, so I was just trying to get back down in line.”
He added that he was unsure whether Denny Hamlin’s push caused Nemechek to hit him or if the lane became too stacked, leading to the impact.
“I got a huge shot from behind and I don’t know if he [Hunter Nemechek] had maybe gotten hit or I just stacked the lane up that much or what. Nonetheless, it happened, and it’s done. Looks like we’re in a bit of a pickle now,”
What’s Next for Elliott and the Playoffs After Bristol
The next race, the Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, will kick off the Round of 12 on Sunday, September 21. This 301-lap event is expected to be a critical test for Elliott and other remaining playoff drivers. Fans will be able to watch the race live on USA Network, with radio coverage available via PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
The events at Bristol have intensified the pressure on Chase Elliott as he strives to overcome this setback and maintain his championship campaign. His Hendrick Motorsports teammates, including Alex Bowman and Kyle Larson, will continue to battle for playoff advancement, making the upcoming races crucial for their championship hopes.
