NASCAR: Chase Elliott talks about retaliating against Denny Hamlin

Chase Elliott was able to get revenge on Denny Hamlin in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix after Hamlin wrecked him at Martinsville.

Two weeks ago at Martinsville in the opening race of the Round of 8, Chase Elliott appeared to be on his way to his first career NASCAR Cup Series victory. With just over two laps to go, he was in the lead and just over a mile away from punching his ticked to the Championship 4.

But then Denny Hamlin opted to wreck him, not race him, ending Elliott’s bid for his first career Cup Series win and putting him in a hole that he would ultimately not climb out of in terms of advancing to this year’s Championship 4.

Ever since that collision, payback has been on the minds of many people, both drivers and fans. However, last week at Texas, Elliott and Hamlin each went about their own business, with Elliott finishing in 8th place and Hamlin finishing in 3rd.

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But at Phoenix, Elliott got him back. While it was far more subtle than Hamlin’s move on him two weeks ago, Elliott pushed Hamlin into the wall, which damaged Hamlin’s car and caused him to fall a few spots back in the field. A few laps later, Hamlin lost control of his car and wrecked out of the Can-Am 500, a race he had dominated up until that point.

Here are Elliott’s comments about getting revenge against Hamlin for what Hamlin did to him two weeks ago, which ultimately ruined Elliott’s championship chances since he finished in 2nd place at Phoenix and will not advance to the Championship 4.

"“A wise man once told me that he’ll race guys the way they raced him with a smile on his face. That’s what I did today. I raced him the way he raced me. That’s the way I saw it. That’s about all I have to say.’’"

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Heading into the Championship 4 next Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida, Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin are both eliminated from championship contention but still battling for 5th place in the standings. Elliott currently holds the position by 17 points over Denny Hamlin. Is their recent debacle finished, or will one or both of the drivers keep it going?

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