A few years ago, Hendrick Motorsports weren’t very supportive of their drivers taking part in ‘extracurricular’ activities outside of their day job in NASCAR. But then, drivers like Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott came and things changed.

However, considering what happened to Elliott recently, Mr. H could consider going back to his old ways, especially after what it might cost his team, in the long run, this season.

It’s important to remember that Chase Elliott recently injured his left leg in a snowboarding accident, ruling him out of this weekend’s Cup race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. And although they’ve found his replacement in Josh Berry, the Xfinity Series driver for JR Motorsports, a question still remains – Will Chase Elliott remain championship eligible despite missing a race or a few races?

Well, according to journalist Bob Pockrass, he could be if NASCAR makes an exception for him.

“Chase Elliott would need a waiver to miss races and remain championship eligible. Team would need to request it before NASCAR makes a decision. I would think it would be granted. No timetable set yet for when Elliott (leg surgery following snowboarding accident) will return,” he tweeted.

This led to a fan accusing NASCAR of giving special treatment to the “golden child“, but then Pockrass described another such instance that could prove the waiver in the subject wouldn’t be that exclusive after all.

“Tony Stewart got a waiver for an injury in an ATV accident seven years ago. So there’s precedent for Chase Elliott to get a waiver,” Pockrass responded.

Fans make a case for Elliott to get a waiver from NASCAR

After Pockrass described the “precedent” for Chase Elliott to get a waiver from NASCAR after his snowboarding injury, a lot of fans also chimed in with their thoughts on this matter.

Most of them were in agreement that yes, NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver does deserve a waiver, even though his injury was non-racing related.

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Hendrick Motorsports react to the snowboarding incident of Chase Elliott

According to NASCAR, while Hendrick Motorsports didn’t provide any specific information regarding the recent accident of their driver, Rick Hendrick did convey the information that Elliott underwent surgery on his left leg.

“Chase’s health is our primary concern,” Mr. H said. He claimed Elliott has spoken to “several members” of his team and is quite disappointed to miss the Vegas race. Hendrick also emphasized that their driver has their “full support” and they’ll “provide any resources he needs.”

“We hope to share another update later this weekend,” he added.

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