Martin Truex Jr. Calls on NASCAR to Punish Hendrick Motorsports and Chase Elliott for Intentional Retaliation on Ross Chastain at COTA
The NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) took a controversial turn on Lap 1, as Chase Elliott found himself at the center of controversy following an apparent retaliatory move on Ross Chastain. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from veteran driver Martin Truex Jr., who is now urging NASCAR to take disciplinary action against both Elliott and his Hendrick Motorsports team.
Elliott, driving the No. 9 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, made contact with Chastain’s No. 1 Chevrolet early in the race, sending the Trackhouse Racing driver spinning off the track. While some initially speculated it was a racing incident, replays suggested otherwise—showing what many, including Truex, believe to be an intentional act of retaliation.
Truex: “That Wasn’t Professional, and NASCAR Needs to Step In”
Truex Jr., the 2017 Cup Series champion and driver of the No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, did not mince words when addressing the situation. He called out Elliott’s actions, stating that such behavior sets a dangerous precedent for NASCAR.
“I get that emotions run high in racing, but what Chase did out there wasn’t professional,” Truex said. “We’re all out here fighting for wins, for championships, and you can’t have drivers taking matters into their own hands like that, especially on Lap 1. If NASCAR doesn’t step in and do something about it, we’re going to see more of this, and it’s not going to end well.”
Truex emphasized that NASCAR has penalized drivers for similar incidents in the past and questioned whether Elliott would receive the same treatment.
“We’ve seen guys get parked, fined, even suspended for this kind of thing before. Is Chase going to be held to the same standard? I don’t know, but I hope so. Hendrick Motorsports is a powerhouse team, but that shouldn’t put them above the rules.”
Growing Tensions Between Elliott and Chastain
Elliott and Chastain have had their share of on-track disagreements over the past couple of seasons, with Chastain’s aggressive driving style often rubbing competitors the wrong way. However, Truex and others believe retaliation—especially so early in a race—is crossing the line.
Chastain, known for his “watermelon-smashing” celebrations after victories, did not openly call for a penalty but admitted he was frustrated by the move.
“I don’t know what he was thinking,” Chastain said post-race. “I was just focused on racing hard, and the next thing I know, I’m getting turned. It’s frustrating, but I’ll let NASCAR handle it.”
Will NASCAR Take Action?
NASCAR has yet to make an official statement regarding the incident, but the pressure is mounting for them to review Elliott’s actions. The sport has cracked down on intentional wrecks in recent years, issuing suspensions to drivers like Bubba Wallace in 2022 for wrecking Kyle Larson.
If Elliott is found to have intentionally wrecked Chastain, he could face a range of penalties, from a points deduction to a possible suspension. Truex believes that whatever happens next will set an important precedent.
“If NASCAR lets this slide, it’s only going to get worse,” Truex warned. “We need consistency in the rules, no matter who you drive for. Chase is a great driver, but that doesn’t mean he gets a free pass.”
With the NASCAR season heating up, all eyes will be on how officials respond to Truex Jr.’s call for action. Will Elliott face consequences, or will this incident be brushed under the rug? One thing is certain—the drama at COTA is far from over.
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