Hendrick Motorsports feelings on Elliott incident | Sports News

Key Hendrick Motorsports determine Chad Knaus has admitted that an error from the No. 9 group was “unfortunate” because it “derailed” the day for Chase Elliott at Kansas Speedway. The one-time Cup Series victor had been in competition to take the checkered flag – however surrendered his lead on the AdventHealth 400.

The 29-year-old’s devoted fanbase has directed frustrations in the direction of crew chief Alan Gustafson in latest occasions, resulting in Elliott himself responding to those dissenting voices. The latter had regarded in place to convey the struggle to race winner Kyle Larson in the direction of the top of Stage 2.

However, as he subsequently pitted, he misplaced his lead and slipped to twelfth place within the reckoning. As his winless streak stretched to 38 outings, the star’s fans flooded social media with stern responses, with one despondent fan calling for Elliott to obtain a “new crew.”

Following what was an eventful outing for the motive force, Knaus, who serves as Hendrick Motorsports’ vice president of competitors stated: “It was great for the 9 this weekend. They unloaded, they were good. Chase had very favorable comments about the race car straight out of the gate, which was really nice.

“I do know that Alan and Chase are digging in deep and dealing extraordinarily arduous with their group to attempt to make sure that they do this on a weekly foundation, as a result of once they do, they execute very effectively.”

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“It’s unfortunate that issue happened today because I think we’d be sitting here with them easily in the top five with the pace that they had. But it only takes one hiccup and it can derail your day. So we’ve got to keep working on those things. But as long as they continue to bring good race cars and fast race cars and execute at a high level, they’re going to be where we need them.”

Meanwhile, eventual winner Larson reflected on a successful showing at Kansas, saying: “Kansas Speedway is a monitor I actually take pleasure in going to. I feel it has actually aged effectively because the repave and it has some completely different lanes to select from, so we’re not all married to the identical spot all of the time on the monitor.

“From a driver’s perspective, that’s all you can really ask for,” he continued, earlier than tellingly asserting: “Great car, great execution today, too, for our team.”

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Having convincingly received this time round, in distinction to final yr’s spectacle, he added: “Glad to not win by an inch right here this time and a little bit safer gap. But thanks again to the team. Congrats to all of Hendrick Motorsports, the engine shop, everybody there.

“I used to be making an attempt actually arduous to tempo myself, as a result of I imagine that was our longest run of the day. I’d been struggling a little bit on the finish of the runs.

“I don’t know if it was paying off or not at the end. I was still struggling. I don’t know if the right front was starting to wear a lot or what, but I was starting to lose a lot of grip, and then I was vibrating really bad, so I was afraid a right rear or something would let go.”