By Justin Schuoler, Staff Writer
LAS VEGAS – Chase Elliott will miss the third round of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series schedule in the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube at Las Motor Speedway due to a leg injury.
Five-time NASCAR Most Popular Driver suffered an injury to his left leg while snowboarding in Colorado. According to a statement by Hendrick Motorsports, the driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will undergo surgery on Friday evening.
“Chase’s health is our primary concern,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “He’s spoken with several members of our team and is understandably disappointed to miss time in the car. Of course, he has our full support, and we’ll provide any resources he needs. We hope to share another update later this weekend.”
The driver listed to fill in for Elliott will be 2017 CARS Late Model Stock champion and current NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Josh Berry. It will be Berry’s third career start at NASCAR’s top level, making the JR Motorsports driver run double duty in Las Vegas.
“It’s been an interesting couple of hours,” said Berry after a fifth place qualifying effort in his Xfinity car. “First off, just hope Chase can recover and be back in the thing soon. But it’s a great opportunity for me. I just want to thank Mr. Hendrick and everybody at Hendrick Motorsports to think enough of me to do it. It’s going to be interesting but I’m looking forward to it.”
Because of a backup car, Berry will have to start at the rear of the field for Saturday’s Also Uniforms 300.
There is no return date yet set for the 2020 Cup Series champion.