NASCAR News: Chase Elliot Scathes Nashville Race Ending- 'I'd Be P**sed!'

At the Ally 400 race held at the Nashville Superspeedway last weekend, a whirlwind of emotions and chaos unfolded, culminating in a controversial ending that left fans—and drivers—divided. Chase Elliott, driving for Hendrick Motorsports, openly expressed his annoyance with the race ending under caution, encapsulating the frustration of many.

The 1.333-mile oval track saw its fair share of drama with a record-setting five overtime restarts. As drivers Joey Logano from Team Penske, and Zane Smith duelled for dominance in the final stretch, it was Logano who clinched victory, thereby solidifying his position in the playoff standings. However, it was the manner of the race's end that sparked significant debate among the drivers and further community.

Chase Elliott, positioned 12th at the onset of the sequence triggered by Austin Cindric's spin, pushed his way up during the initial restarts. But the relentless stop-start nature took its toll, forcing him to pit for fuel and ultimately finishing in 18th place. Reflecting on the race's end, Elliott didn't mince words:

"If I was a fan and I watched the race end under caution, I'd be pissed," he told Stephen Stumpf of Frontstretch (below).

The broader implications of the restarts were not lost on Team Penske, whose drivers notably benefited. Logano leapt from 14th to claim the win; Ryan Blaney shot up from 31st to 6th; and Austin Cindric improved from 22nd to 15th. Conversely, Hendrick Motorsports' Kyle Larson managed an eighth-place finish, extending his lead over Elliott by 20 points in the driver standings.

The debate extended to the larger NASCAR community. Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn't mind, stating:

"I am completely fine with unlimited attempts. These five overtime attempts isn't happening every other week."

Meanwhile, Denny Hamlin, caught in the fray of potentially securing a win before the first overtime caution, was reportedly happy with unlimited restarts and no overtime.

This weekend, the Grant Part 165 came to an end with Kyle Larson taking the win.

2024 Grant Part 165 Cup Series Qualifying Results

1. K. Larson, Chevrolet, #5, 1:27.836
2. T. Gibbs, Toyota, #54, 1:27.846
3. M. McDowell, Ford, #34, 1:27.862
4. T. Reddick, Toyota, #45, 1:28.075
5. S. van Gisbergen, Chevrolet, #16, 1:28.183
6. D. Wallace Jr., Toyota, #23, 1:28.320
7. C. Bell, Toyota, #20, 1:28.366
8. A. Bowman, Chevrolet, #48, 1:28.759
9. D. Suárez, Chevrolet, #99, 1:28.874
10. B. Keselowski, Ford, #6, 1:44.877
11. D. Hamlin, Toyota, #11, 1:28.550
12. J. Nemechek, Toyota, #42, 1:28.365
13. C. Hocevar, Chevrolet, #77, 1:28.600
14. R. Chastain, Chevrolet, #1, 1:28.402
15. A. Dillon, Chevrolet, #3, 1:28.955
16. C. Buescher, Ford, #17, 1:28.478
17. R. Blaney, Ford, #12, 1:29.010
18. C. Elliott, Chevrolet, #9, 1:28.481
19. K. Busch, Chevrolet, #8, 1:29.071
20. C. LaJoie, Chevrolet, #7, 1:28.531
21. A. Cindric, Ford, #2, 1:29.073
22. C. Briscoe, Ford, #14, 1:28.580
23. J. Haley, Ford, #51, 1:29.197
24. M. Truex Jr., Toyota, #19, 1:28.629
25. E. Jones, Toyota, #43, 1:29.228
26. T. Gilliland, Ford, #38, 1:28.815
27. W. Byron, Chevrolet, #24, 1:29.230
28. N. Gragson, Ford, #10, 1:28.920
29. R. Preece, Ford, #41, 1:29.264
30. Z. Smith, Chevrolet, #71, 1:28.963
31. H. Burton, Ford, #21, 1:29.387
32. J. Logano, Ford, #22, 1:29.159
33. R. Stenhouse Jr., Chevrolet, #47, 1:29.593
34. A. Hill, Chevrolet, #33, 1:29.167
35. D. Hemric, Chevrolet, #31, 1:29.608
36. J. Berry, Ford, #4, 1:29.384
37. A. J. Allmendinger, Chevrolet, #13, 1:30.236
38. J. Hand, Ford, #60, 1:29.496
39. J. Bilicki, Ford, #66, .000
40. K. Grala, Ford, #15, 1:29.514