Chase Elliott Returns For Talladega With Playoff Hopes Alive

On Wednesday, Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott announced a return to the NASCAR Cup Series beginning this Sunday at Martinsville Speedway. Elliott received a waiver from the stock-car series to remain eligible for the 2023 playoffs, despite missing the last six races due to injury.

The Dawsonville, Ga., native injured his leg in a snowboarding accident in Colorado this past February, preventing him from competing for just over a month.

Elliott returns to racing action at one of his best tracks this week, before returning to a packed-out Talladega Superspeedway next weekend, hoping to defend his October victory.

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The reigning Most Popular Driver and former Cup Series Champion is sure to bring a boost to television and digital ratings, as NASCAR continues into the summer months of its season.

Elliott announced the return to action through his personal Twitter account on Wednesday afternoon. The driver of the NAPA AutoParts Chevrolet No. 9 Camaro spent time in a simulator Tuesday and Wednesday to get ready, opting to enter this weekend's race on short notice.

Hendrick Motorsports finally returns to its full strength lineup, having featured a fill-in Noah Gragson last fall during Alex Bowman's absence and Josh Berry to temporarily replace Elliott.

Now, Elliott will look to score at least one victory before the 2023 playoffs begin. Alabama racing fans can catch the driver in action next weekend (Apr. 23rd) at Talladega Superspeedway.