By Seth Eggert, Staff Writer
MARTINSVILLE, VA – In repeat of the events of Dover International Speedway, Chase Elliott suffered a catastrophic engine failure at Martinsville Speedway.
Just five laps into the first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series practice for the First Data 500 the No. 9 Mountain Dew Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 had flames shooting out the back. Elliott slowed to a stop on the backstretch. He quickly made his way out of the car as the flames subsided.
Elliott simply explained that the motor expired.
“We broke a motor there, five laps in, and it’s obviously and unfortunate way to start the day, for sure. But, it’s one of those things really that it kind of what it is at this point and everybody is working hard to try to get our car back put together to get some practice in this next one. At this point, that’s the most important thing.”
With fluid pouring out of the front of the car, it was clear that the Hendrick Motorsports driver had a catastrophic engine failure. At the time of the engine failure, Elliott had a best lap of 19.913 seconds at 95.093 mph. The fire also forced the team to check the car for additional damage.
Once the car was in the garage stall, Elliott helped his crew clean and repair the car.
“Obviously I want to help,” Elliott stated. “I think everybody wants to help, but sometimes if too many want to help, you just get in the way. You don’t want to be in the way for sure, but I certainly care enough, and I know everyone on our team cares.
“We all want to help and we all want to do what’s best to get our car back together so we go out and hopefully have a good practice in this next one, and that is where our mindset is for all of us, not just me.”
The Playoff Grid driver entered Martinsville just six points below the cut line, held by Joey Logano. Elliott was the slowest among the Playoff Grid drivers.
Elliott was one of the first cars on track in the second practice.
As a result of the engine failure, Elliott and his team will forfeit their qualifying position. Qualifying is scheduled for 4:35 pm on NBCSN following the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series race.
The First Data 500 is scheduled to start at 3:00 pm on Sunday, October 26 with coverage on NBCSN, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio starting at 1:30 pm.