Back on March 3rd, star NASCAR driver Chase Elliott fractured his tibia while snowboarding in Colorado.
After the accident, Hendrick Motorsports announced that the 27-year-old would be missing six races while recovering from his injury.
With that being said, it appears the wait is finally no more, as Hendrick just announced that Elliott will be driving his number nine car at Martinsville Speedway this weekend.
He was medically cleared yesterday, after he tested yesterday afternoon and this morning in the Chevrolet Driver-In-Loop simulator in Concord, North Carolina.
That’s when he ultimately made his decision to return this week.
Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick said in a statement:
“We’re looking forward to having Chase back in his race car to pick up where he left off. Since the injury, he’s worked extremely hard and focused all his time and energy on returning to the No. 9 team.
Throughout the last six weeks, he’s stayed fully engaged with everything we’re doing, and we know he’s chomping at the bit to get on the racetrack and compete for wins.”
Josh Berry had filled in for Elliott in five of the last six events, with his best finish second at Richmond Raceway.
Jordan Taylor drove the number nine car at Circuit of The Americas, starting fourth and finishing 24th in his Cup debut.
President and general manager of Hendrick Motorsports Jeff Andrews added:
“Having such high-caliber drivers available was a huge benefit, especially under difficult circumstances.
Josh and Jordan each brought a tremendous amount of professionalism to our team, and we’re truly grateful for their contributions. Their preparation and talent made a big difference. We can’t overstate it.”
Hendrick Motorsports also received a waiver from NASCAR that will allow Elliott to be eligible for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.
