Jordan Taylor replaces Chase Elliott

Jordan Taylor has never competed in a race NASCAR Cup Series since the start of his long and prolific career, but he knows the specifics of the Next Gen well having led a large part of the tests of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 entered in the centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans next June.

Jimmie Johnson, Jordan Taylor and Jenson Button © Hendrick Motorsports

If Taylor is entrusted with the responsibility of defending the Hendrick No. 9 colors on the road circuit, Josh Berry will continue to act as interim during the oval rounds, including those of Phoenix and Atlanta over the next two weekends. A regular NASCAR^e place the key.

“We are focused on getting Chase back to 100%, so we will take as much time as necessary and make sure it has the best resources available, said Rick Hendrick, owner of the Hendrick Motorsports, in a statement. Josh was impressive this weekend in difficult circumstances, and we look forward to seeing him back on the ovals until Chase can return. Jordan is a world-class driver and recently worked with our Garage 56 team preparing for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He will undoubtedly do an excellent job at COTA. »

Dramatic start to season for Chase Elliott © Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Chase Elliot's unavailability should be at least 6 weeks. The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Champion fractured his left tibia last Friday while snowboarding and underwent surgery immediately.

Before the Las Vegas withdrawal, Elliott had never missed a round since his full-time Cup Series debut. Since the 500 Daytona 2016, he had made 254 consecutive starts. He has won 18 times during this period and, in addition to his 2020 title, has qualified for the Championship Final in 2021 and 2022.

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