Delightful news came out this week as Chase Elliott confirmed his return to the Cup Series. It has been difficult for the 27-year-old driver since he suffered a serious leg injury. However, now that he’s back, it is time for him to focus and give his best efforts on the track. Having missed six races so far this season, he currently stands at the 33rd position on the points table. Without a doubt, it is an uphill task for him to qualify for the Playoffs.

It is certainly not impossible, but it goes without saying that he needs a good result in Martinsville. Having said that, he surely won’t be lacking any motivation after being offered a tempting incentive that will benefit a social-help cause in which he believes.

Chase Elliott gets offered $100,000 on one condition as he marks his return at Martinsville

It was heartbreaking how Chase Elliott got injured while snowboarding in February. The injury fractured his left tibia but fortunately, there was no ACL or meniscus tear. However, the Hendrick Motorsports driver had to undergo surgery followed by rehab at the Steadman Clinic, a U.S. Olympics National Medical Center.

All said and done, he is back now to race at the shortest track on the Cup Series circuit. In fact, Elliott spent two days this week in a racing simulator to check if his left leg could brake fine. It is of utmost importance that his left leg functions fine given the constant hard braking that is required at Martinsville.

While his physical health looks fine, Elliott has a daunting task ahead of himself. Currently, he has 49 points to his name and is 134 points behind the last playoff contender. It is definitely a big gap to bridge but if someone possesses the talent to do it, it is Elliott. With 18 races left before the Playoffs, statistically, it is still possible for him, however, he also has the option to increase his chances of qualifying by registering a win at Martinsville.

WATCH THIS STORY: Recent Chase Elliott Injury Update Leads Fans to Anticipate the Hendrick Motorsports Star’s Return at Legendary NASCAR Race

The 2020 Cup Series champion finished 10th in Virginia last season but this time around he has an additional motivation to go all the way. When recently Elliott attended the Pat McAfee show, he spoke about his chances at Martinsville. It was then that he said, “Points don’t matter now. I’m so far out, so the win is the only option for us.”

To this, McAfee said, “You get first this weekend, we’ll give $100,000 to a charity of your choice.”

That’s quite the incentive for Elliott, certainly enough to add more hunger for a triumph at Martinsville. However, the Georgia-born driver admitted it will not be easy come Sunday.

Elliott gets candid as he speaks about the challenges ahead of his Cup Series return at Martinsville

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A lot is at stake for Chase Elliott and Hendrick Motorsports as they prepare for the ninth race of the 2023 season. Elliott recently spoke ahead of the Martinsville race as he discussed his chances of making it count on Sunday.

The #9 car driver said, “I think it’s going to be tough. What challenges are going to be presented this weekend, I don’t 100% until I get there and kind of get going through it. But anytime you miss a period and your competitors are sharpening their skills and you’re not—I do think you’ve missed out, for sure.”

It certainly takes its toll having been out of rhythm for more than a month. However, it would be interesting to see how smoothly Elliott races. Where do you think will he finish after Sunday’s race?

“Chase [Elliott] Is Pushing It” – Fans Warn Hendrick Motorsports Driver Amid Standby Announcement