Exposed: Danica Patrick Files Petition to Cancel Chase Elliott’s Quaker State 400 Result, Alleging Cheating with Evidence, as NASCAR CEO Responds
The NASCAR community is reeling from a bold move by former driver and analyst Danica Patrick, who has filed a formal petition with NASCAR demanding the cancellation of Chase Elliott’s victory at the Quaker State 400 earlier this season, citing evidence of cheating to secure an unfair advantage. The June 28 race at EchoPark Speedway saw Elliott end a 44-race winless streak with a dramatic last-lap pass, but Patrick’s allegations—backed by a series of data points and witness accounts—have thrown the result into question. NASCAR CEO Jim France has issued a measured response, setting the stage for a contentious review that could reshape the 2025 Cup Series standings and captivate fans worldwide.
Patrick, a former NASCAR standout turned outspoken commentator, submitted her petition Tuesday, claiming Elliott’s Hendrick Motorsports team manipulated tire strategies and exploited a loophole in pit stop timing to gain an edge during the race’s chaotic final laps. Her evidence includes telemetry data suggesting irregular tire wear patterns and statements from unnamed crew members hinting at pre-race adjustments beyond regulatory limits. The petition also references a push from teammate Alex Bowman that allegedly breached NASCAR’s drafting rules, a move that helped Elliott overtake Brad Keselowski. “This isn’t about sour grapes—it’s about integrity,” Patrick stated in a press release, leveraging her insider perspective to challenge the sport’s most popular driver.
Elliott’s win, his 20th career victory and a hometown triumph in Georgia, had been celebrated as a turning point after a tough stretch. However, the allegations have reignited debates about fairness in NASCAR’s Next Gen car era, where spec rules aim to level the playing field. Fans on social platforms are divided—some decry Patrick’s move as a vendetta, citing her past criticisms of Elliott, while others demand transparency, pointing to the race’s 12 wrecks and 46 lead changes as suspicious. The timing, with Elliott leading the standings by 12 points over William Byron, adds urgency to the controversy.
NASCAR CEO Jim France responded Wednesday, acknowledging the petition but urging caution. “We take all allegations seriously and will conduct a thorough review,” France said in a statement, promising an investigation into the evidence within 10 days. This follows a history of scrutiny, including Larson’s 2020 suspension, suggesting NASCAR may face pressure to act decisively. Yet, some question the credibility of Patrick’s claims, noting her lack of direct evidence in the public domain and her shift to conservative media, which could fuel perceptions of bias. Critics also argue the sport’s reliance on subjective stewarding might complicate proving intent.
As the investigation unfolds, the outcome could strip Elliott of 40 points and a playoff berth, impacting Hendrick Motorsports’ record 25-race top-five streak. Will Patrick’s evidence hold, or will NASCAR uphold Elliott’s victory? With the New Hampshire race looming, the paddock watches closely, captivated by a saga that tests the sport’s integrity and leaves fans debating the line between competition and cheating.
