Chase Elliott spoke about the support he received from Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon for Chili Bowl participation.
After his 2020 Cup Series championship win, Elliott has been keeping himself busy with different forms of racing in the off-season. He has already participated in the Snowball Derby and will compete in the Chili Bowl Nationals this month.
As a driver for the Hendrick Motorsports, Elliott has spoken to Rick Hendrick about his involvement. The HMS owner had this to say to the 2020 Champion:
“He really didn’t have much to say about it, and I don’t think he knows a ton about that race in particular. But really nothing negative, I’ve obviously been upfront, and he knows about all of the things I wanna go do and this being one of them.
“I think he knew too when Kyle (Larson) was coming along that this was happening. I assume that was the approach, or that was kind of expected in the beginning, so I really wanted to do that anyway and I’ve had a lot of interest in it.”
It is not only the advice of the HMS owner that Elliot sought. He also spoke to the NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon, Contrary to Hendrick, Gordon was more aware of the importance of such races.
“I’ve talked about it and two, I think Jeff as his role has increased at HMS over the years, I think he really understands the importance of racing more. And how that can help you on track on Sundays and I think he really, really understands that.
“Mr. Hendrick seems to be good with that, so I can’t complain.”
Elliott will gear up for the upcoming Cup Series season after his Chilli Bowl involvement.
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