Chase Elliott crashed during the NASCAR Cup Series Bristol Night Race last Saturday after contact with John Hunter Nemechek pushed him into the outside wall. Following the incident, Elliott spoke to NBC Sports, believing his playoff chances were over. However, despite the crash, he had enough points to keep his spot in the playoffs.
Rick Ware Racing’s competition director, Tommy Baldwin, found Elliott’s reaction surprising because the driver was unaware he had already secured his place in the next playoff round.
What was funny with Chase, he’s getting interviewed and he didn’t even know if he was in or out of the playoffs. He’s getting ready to go home,
Baldwin said on Tuesday’s Door Bumper Clear podcast.
He’s like, ‘Well, I’m done.’ I think it was Parker [Kligerman] who was interviewing him [and told him], ‘No, you’re not.’ He’s like, ‘I’m not?’ He was getting ready to leave. He was like, ‘I guess I’ll stay around and wait.’
Different Focus: Elliott Concentrates on Racing Over Standings
NBC Sports commentator Jeff Burton explained that Elliott’s mindset during the race illustrated how drivers handle pressure differently. While many monitor standings closely, Elliott was entirely focused on managing his car on the track instead of his playoff status.
Burton found it surprising that Elliott was not aware of his position but acknowledged this approach reflects his trust in the team’s management of points and strategy.
That was fascinating, Burton said. “I looked at Steve [Letarte] and we can push a button and talk just amongst ourselves… and I said, ‘How the hell can he not know?’ That shocked me that he didn’t know, but it shows you the different approaches of drivers. He just comes in, gonna do his job and leave. He says I don’t need to know all that stuff, I’m just gonna go do the best I can and whatever happens, happens.
… That’s his mentality and it’s worked really well, right? I think he trusts his team, like, y’all got all of that, I’m gonna go pay attention to this and drive the race car.
Elliott’s Playoff Standing and Outlook After Bristol
Following the Bristol Night Race, the playoff points have reset for the Round of 12. Chase Elliott begins this round seventh in the standings, holding a five-point advantage above the cutoff line. His unexpected advancement despite the Bristol crash underscores both his resilience and the reliability of his team’s strategy.
As the playoffs progress, Elliott’s focus on driving skill over point calculations may continue to influence how he navigates the remaining races. The tension surrounding his Bristol crash and subsequent survival adds a layer of uncertainty to his championship pursuit.
