Chase Elliott will miss the NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway after a snowboarding accident on Friday caused a left leg injury. Elliott, 27, underwent successful surgery on Friday night.
The driver of the No. 9 car for Hendrick Motorsports will be replaced by Josh Berry this weekend. This will end Elliott’s streak of 254 starts in the Cup Series and knock him out of contention to break the most consecutive starts record.
Hendrick Motorsports held a morning media availability on Saturday, March 4 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to give more updates on Elliott’s condition following his shocking injury in Colorado on Friday.
Related: Hendrick Motorsports releases big update on Chase Elliott’s leg surgery
Hendrick Motorsports provides updates to Chase Elliott’s condition
Elliott is NASCAR’s most popular driver and this is a major blow to the hearts of many race fans around the world. Most importantly, it is upsetting to see the 27-year-old driver go through a serious injury that required surgery.
Hopefully, this is not something that affects Elliott long-term and he is able to fully recover sooner rather than later. Due to the news, Hendrick Motorsports held a media availability before on-track action began on Saturday, March 4.
According to Hendrick Motorsports, Elliott is likely out for several weeks after a three-hour surgery for a fractured tibia. The driver of the No. 9 car does not have a timeline for his return to the NASCAR Cup Series.
Upon Elliott’s return, he will have a seat available for him. Hendrick Motorsports said Elliott feels terrible about the incident and the organization is not expecting a policy change for what its driver do outside of the race track.
Hendrick Motorsports has formally applied for a waiver to allow Elliott to compete in the NASCAR playoffs. If one is not granted, Elliott will not be allowed in the playoffs, even if he wins an event.
NASCAR has not made a decision on the waiver yet. Sportsnaut continues to wish Elliott a speedy recovery as he works his way back to the Cup Series after suffering a left leg injury on Friday, March 3.