Chase Elliott has issued a strong warning to NASCAR regarding the dangerous engineering behind recent deadly crashes, particularly at superspeedways like Talladega. Reflecting on a massive 28-car wreck at Talladega last fall, which severely impacted his playoff chances, Elliott described the chaotic scene where many drivers, including himself, were stuck helplessly in the grass or on the asphalt, unable to move. His frustration was evident as he recounted on team radio how drivers were “spinning their wheels, turning in circles,” trapped in a dangerous situation.
Elliott highlighted a critical engineering flaw contributing to these incidents: the flat underwing panel bolted to the bottom of the cars. He explained that when this flat piece encounters wind, it acts like a flat sheet, making the cars prone to flipping during spins at high speeds. Although he admitted not being an expert, Elliott emphasized that NASCAR has had ample time to address these safety issues but has yet to implement effective solutions. He urged NASCAR to continue seeking improvements to prevent such disasters.
The pattern of blow-over flips has become alarmingly frequent. Earlier in 2025, Ryan Preece flipped at Daytona, and Josh Berry experienced a violent flip at the Coke Zero Sugar 400. The Talladega wreck involving 28 cars was another stark example of this ongoing problem. Other drivers, including Kyle Busch, have publicly criticized NASCAR for its slow response to safety concerns, noting that their suggestions have often been ignored. Busch pointed out the difficulty in racing due to limited passing opportunities and expressed frustration that NASCAR has not adequately addressed these issues despite repeated feedback.
Brad Keselowski, a superspeedway specialist, acknowledged that NASCAR has tested new safety features, such as those trialed at Michigan, but admitted that the options tried so far didn’t work out. He conveyed a “back to the drawing board” mentality within NASCAR but also recognized that races would continue despite unresolved safety challenges.
Currently, NASCAR has no new safety changes planned for the upcoming Talladega race, although updates are expected later in the summer at Daytona, including a new flap on the Next Gen car designed to help keep cars grounded during spins. For now, Talladega remains a high-risk event with persistent safety concerns that drivers like Elliott are keenly aware of.
Amid these safety debates, Elliott also addressed rumors about his crew chief, Alan Gustafson. Despite a rocky start to the season and speculation about a possible replacement by rising star Adam Wall, Elliott expressed unwavering support for Gustafson. He praised Gustafson’s professionalism and credited their long-standing relationship-nearing ten years-as a key factor in their success, including Elliott’s 2020 Cup Series championship. Elliott emphasized loyalty and trust in his team as he prepares to face the challenges ahead at Talladega and pursue another championship run.
In summary, Chase Elliott’s warning notice to NASCAR centers on the urgent need to address the hazardous aerodynamic design of the cars, which has contributed to a series of dangerous blow-over crashes. He calls for NASCAR to prioritize driver safety by improving car engineering, while also standing firmly behind his crew chief and team as they navigate a season marked by both on-track risks and off-track scrutiny.
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