“I DON’T RESPECT HIM” — Chase Elliott Explains Decision Not to Greet Kyle Busch After DNF at Richmond
🔥 The NASCAR world was stunned Saturday night when Chase Elliott, visibly frustrated after his first DNF of the season, refused to greet Kyle Busch post-race and later dropped a bombshell statement: “I don’t respect him.” The comment came after Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet was clipped by Busch’s wounded car during a chaotic multi-car wreck on Lap 198 of the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway. Elliott, who had been on a 27-race streak without a DNF, saw his championship hopes take a major hit.
💬 Elliott’s reaction was raw and unfiltered, as he spoke to reporters after being cleared at the infield care center. “I had the wreck missed, I thought,” he said. “Then Kyle just came down and clipped me. I don’t know what he was doing — but I’m done pretending it’s okay.” While Elliott had previously shown grace in similar situations, this time he made it clear: the incident crossed a line. His refusal to acknowledge Busch after the race sent a clear message that the tension between the two drivers is no longer just competitive — it’s personal.
⚠️ Kyle Busch, meanwhile, remained silent, offering no public apology or explanation for the contact. His team, Richard Childress Racing, has yet to comment on the incident. Busch finished P16, while Elliott was scored last in the 38-car field. The wreck not only ended Elliott’s race but also damaged teammate William Byron’s car, adding to the frustration within Hendrick Motorsports. Fans on social media erupted, with hashtags like #ElliottVsBusch and #RespectThe9 trending within minutes.
🏁 As the playoffs approach, the fallout from Richmond could have lasting consequences. Elliott now faces an uphill battle to regain momentum, while Busch’s reputation among fellow drivers continues to erode. Whether this sparks a full-blown rivalry or leads to reconciliation remains to be seen — but one thing is certain: Chase Elliott is no longer staying silent, and the NASCAR garage won’t forget what happened at Richmond anytime soon.
