Crew chief says Chase Elliott will have shorter fuse in 2018
By Nick Tylwalk
He’ll still be the same smiling, pleasant guy most of the time, but the driver of the No. 9 Chevy might be quicker to anger if crossed this season.
Along with his unquestionable talent and famous family name, one of the reasons Chase Elliott has become so popular so fast is that he’s so darn likable. Check out just about any picture of him and he’s flashing that smile.
He wasn’t quite as happy last fall at Martinsville, though, when he was in position to win his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race until Denny Hamlin spun him out with just three laps remaining. That brought out a side of Elliott we don’t often see, one that saw him get a measure of payback at Phoenix.
In case you need a refresher, here’s what got Elliott so fired up:
We’re not suggesting that Chase Elliott is going to turn into the second coming of the Intimidator in 2018, but crew chief Alan Gustafson thinks he might have a slightly different outlook based on that run-in with Hamlin late last season. Gustafson told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio that his driver was “potentially too respectful” and that could change this season.
"“What transpired at the end of the year shortened his fuse and got him to a point where his philosophy, his attitude, he was getting taken advantage of. I don’t disagree with his opinion, and I think that changed his outlook on how he was going to race.”"
You can hear Gustafson’s complete comments here:
It’s important to note that Gustafson believes that Elliott’s “good kid” demeanor is his default state. That shouldn’t change, and he’ll probably be just as endearing to fans as ever.
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But NASCAR fans also like their heroes to have a bit of an edge when the situation calls for it, and Elliott is showing signs that he’s got one that’s been tempered by the fires of last year’s playoffs. Fair warning for anyone in the garage who thinks the No. 9 is a car you’ll be able to push around without consequences just because there’s a nice guy behind the wheel.