BREAKING: Chase Elliott quits mid-race, Hendrick’s Golden Boy Walks Off Track at Bristol: ‘I’m Done With This Garbage Car

In an unbelievable scene that stunned the NASCAR world, Chase Elliott — the face of Hendrick Motorsports and one of the sport’s biggest stars — walked away mid-race Sunday night at Bristol Motor Speedway, declaring:

“I’m done with this garbage car.”

Elliott, who had struggled with handling issues all night, pulled into the garage just past halfway and abandoned his No. 9 Chevrolet, leaving his team and fans completely blindsided.

What Happened?

Tension had been building all evening. Radio traffic captured a frustrated Elliott repeatedly complaining about the car’s performance:
“It’s evil loose, it’s tight in the center, and I can’t drive it straight if my life depended on it!” he fumed at one point.

Finally, after nearly spinning out for the third time, Elliott made the decision himself — bringing the car to pit road, climbing out without even speaking to his crew chief, and marching straight out of the garage area.

Fans Shocked — and Divided

Social media exploded the moment footage aired of Elliott removing his helmet and walking briskly toward his hauler, ignoring cameras and fans alike.

“Never thought I’d see the day Chase just quit,” one fan posted on X. “But honestly, after the way Hendrick’s treated him lately, can you blame him?”

Others were more critical, calling the move “unprofessional” and “disrespectful” to his team and sponsors.

“Thousands of fans show up just to see you, and you walk off? Shame,” another wrote.

Hendrick Motorsports Issues Statement

Just minutes after the incident, Hendrick Motorsports released a short, carefully worded statement:

“We respect Chase’s passion and commitment to excellence. Tonight’s frustrations do not reflect the totality of our team’s efforts. We will regroup and move forward together.”

Elliott Silent After the Race

Elliott declined interviews after the race, leaving Bristol without speaking to reporters — a rare move for the usually composed driver.

Insiders say tensions have been simmering for weeks inside the No. 9 camp, with Elliott growing increasingly frustrated over car setups and communication breakdowns. Some even speculate this outburst could signal larger problems between Elliott and Hendrick heading into 2026.

Last night wasn’t just another Bristol drama — it might have been the first crack in what once seemed like an unbreakable Hendrick-Elliott dynasty.

Stay tuned. The fallout is just beginning.