Chase Elliott, the star of Hendrick Motorsports, is gearing up for the 2025 Goodyear 400, seeking his first victory of the season. As preparations intensify for this Sunday’s race, attention turns to a heated moment from 2020 that captured the racing world’s attention. In a spirited encounter at the Goodyear 400 that year, Elliott made an unforgettable gesture towards fellow driver Kyle Busch, a moment that remains etched in NASCAR’s recent history.
The incident unfolded during a critical phase of the 2020 championship, a year when Elliott secured his sole Cup Series title. With only 28 laps remaining in the Goodyear 400, Elliott found himself in pursuit of leader Denny Hamlin. However, a contentious attempt by Busch, then driving the #18 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, resulted in Busch’s car clipping Elliott’s #9 car’s left rear quarter panel. This led to Elliott’s car spinning out, crashing into the wall, and sliding into the infield grass amid a chaotic scene.
As tensions flared, Elliott displayed his displeasure by flipping the bird at Busch, who was driving past under caution. Reflecting on the incident, Elliott asserted, “No regrets. I thought it was warranted, and I thought he was deserving,” acknowledging Busch’s later apology as a rare mistake. The gesture became a defining moment, highlighting the competitive dynamics between two prominent drivers.
The apology from Busch sparked discussions within the racing fraternity, with Elliott defending his long-time opponent. He noted, “In Kyle’s situation, Kyle and I have gotten along for many years. I feel like I’ve raced him with a lot of respect because I respect him.” These sentiments underscored the paradoxical nature of their relationship—respect intertwined with fierce competition on the track.
Elliott further elaborated, emphasizing the mutual respect exchanged over the years, stating, “To hear that from a champion and a guy who we had raced really hard and clean together over the years, I think goes further than someone I don’t care for as much or somebody who I don’t get along with as well or someone who doesn’t race with that kind of respect or that kind of integrity on track.” The statement reflected both an acknowledgment of shared history and the unique dynamics prevailing in competitive racing.
As both drivers prepare to meet again at ‘The Track Too Tough to Tame’ for the 2025 Goodyear 400, excitement is palpable. This Sunday’s race, scheduled for 3:00 pm ET, promises to reignite the rivalry, with Busch seeking to end his winless streak and Elliott aiming for his inaugural win this season. The anticipated showdown captures the essence of competitive spirit in NASCAR, with fans eagerly awaiting another chapter in this compelling saga.
