Steve Phelps admits Chase Elliott suspension stems from Bubba Wallace precedent

When NASCAR was making the decision to suspend Chase Elliott or not, they had a big precedent looking back at them. The Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson incident from the playoff race at Las Vegas put NASCAR in a position where they had to make a tough call.

Typically, pro sports leagues would avoid suspending their most popular athlete at all costs. You could argue that NASCAR often tries to do that to protect marketing assets. But when you have a situation like Chase Elliott right rear hooking Denny Halmin, there isn’t much wiggle room.

Looking back to last year’s heated moment with Wallace doing the same to Larson, and then going after him in the infield, NASCAR had to abide. For President Steve Phelps, it comes down to keeping trust among the other drivers and owners.

Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports reported that Phelps said, “It would be difficult to have a conversation with Denny or Bubba or someone else and say, ‘Hey, it was not OK for Bubba to do it and it’s OK for Chase to do it. … We hate it but it’s a call we needed to make.”

Steve Phelps to me yesterday on suspending Elliott: “It would be difficult to have a conversation with Denny or Bubba or someone else and say, ‘Hey, it was not OK for Bubba to do it and it's OK for Chase to do it. … We hate it but it's a call we needed to make.”

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 4, 2023

Being able to look your drivers and owners in the eye and tell them you have made a consistent decision is important. Fans can complain all they want. They can come up with conspiracy theories and stories about how Toyota or Hendrick or Ford or Penske or whoever is treated special. But the drivers can’t think that. Your owners can’t think that. It puts you in a bad place as an executive and sport.

So, it isn’t surprising that the Bubba Wallace suspension played a part in the Chase Elliott decision. In fact, Bubba thinks that it is good.

Chase Elliott sidelined as Corey LaJoie takes over

The biggest punishment for Chase Elliott is watching another driver drive his car. Not just any driver, but another Cup Series regular. Corey LaJoie is going from the No. 7 to the No. 9 car. It is a big upgrade in equipment, crew members, and expectations.

World Wide Technology Raceway produced a fun race last season. It came down to a dash for the finish between Joey Logano and Kyle Busch. The Enjoy Illinois 300 will be led by Busch and Ryan Blaney when the green flag drops at 3:30 PM on FS1.

LaJoie has a great chance to make a big statement. If you’re driving for Chase Elliott, then you better bring it. Josh Berry delivered some strong performances including a P2 finish at Richmond.

This one is going to be interesting. If there was ever a time for LaJoie to get up front and contend for the win, it is now.