NASCAR has suspended Chase Elliott for one race for intentionally wrecking Denny Hamlin during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
"It was an intentional act by Chase in our opinion in our view after reviewing all of the available resources." Elton Sawyer from SiriusXM
With Elliott suspended, the No. 9 team would have to request a second playoff waiver in order to remain playoff eligible as Elliott is missing another race. Hendrick Motorsports submitted one earlier in the season and had it granted after Elliott injured his leg.
Corey Lajoie got the call to fill in for Chase Elliott next weekend at Gateway. Earlier in the year when Elliott injured his leg, many fans hoped to see Lajoie get a chance at a top tier ride in the sport, now is Lajoie's time to prove his talents in that top tier ride.
With Lajoie filling in for Elliott, this leaves the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet needing a driver for Sunday. That seat will be filled by Carson Hocevar, a full time Craftsman Truck Series driver who got his first win earlier in 2023. Hocevar will be making his NASCAR Cup Series debut.