Despite fans hoping for a top-tier performance from the Hendrick Motorsports driver, Elliott crossed the line with a placement that left both him — and his loyal fanbase — visibly frustrated.

And the blame? According to Elliott, it squarely falls on his crew chief’s questionable strategic call.

🔥 “We Could’ve Been in the Top 3… But That Call Ruined Everything”

After climbing out of his No. 9 car, Chase Elliott didn’t hold back. Speaking candidly to media outlets in the pit area, Elliott expressed deep frustration with the decision-making that unfolded late in the race.

“We had the car, the speed, and the momentum. Everything was pointing in the right direction. But when we pitted under green while others stayed out — it completely shattered our position,” Elliott said. “Honestly, I’m angry. That was not the move. We could’ve been in the top 3… but that call ruined everything.”

The bold but mistimed pit strategy caused Elliott to drop several positions during a crucial stint, ultimately preventing him from regaining track position in the final stage of the 600-mile race.

🚗 A Rough Night for Hendrick Motorsports

The Coca-Cola 600 is one of the most grueling and historic races on the calendar, known for testing every aspect of a team’s endurance and precision. For Hendrick Motorsports, the night was a rollercoaster.

While teammate Kyle Larson managed to climb into the top 5, and William Byron stayed consistently competitive, Elliott’s result stood out as a sore spot — especially given how promising his early pace had been.

Fans on social media expressed mixed reactions, with hashtags like #LetChaseRace and #StrategyFail trending on X (formerly Twitter) throughout the evening.

🧠 Crew Chief in the Spotlight

Though Elliott didn’t name his crew chief directly in his comments, insiders believe his frustration was directed at Alan Gustafson, a long-time collaborator who has helped Elliott win a Cup Series championship. However, tensions appear to be rising in the high-stakes world of elite NASCAR racing.

“At the end of the day, it’s a team sport,” Elliott said. “But when the same types of mistakes keep happening, you have to start asking hard questions. I’m not here to finish 12th.”

📊 Race Results Snapshot – Coca-Cola 600

As the Cup Series continues into its summer stretch, Elliott will have a chance to rebound — but it’s clear that internal discussions will be necessary before the next race. Whether changes are made to strategy personnel or pit communications remains to be seen, but fans and analysts agree: Chase Elliott wants — and expects — more.

“I’m not giving up. I still believe in this team,” Elliott concluded. “But we’ve got to be better. We’re not here to participate. We’re here to win.”

Stay tuned as NASCAR’s biggest names continue their push toward the playoffs — and as Chase Elliott aims to reclaim his spot among the sport’s elite.