Chase Elliott to start near back in Texas after he fails to make qualifying run
FORT WORTH, Texas — Chase Elliott finished his last race in 27th despite leading late in Martinsville after he was spun out.
On Sunday, Elliott will start the AAA Texas 500 near the rear in another setback toward his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series title hopes.
Elliott’s Hendrick Motorsport No. 24 Chevrolet failed to clear inspection before the end of the first qualifying session at Texas Motor Speedway on Friday, which will force him to start 34th.
“I think it’s doable,” Elliott said in a television interview when asked if he had a chance to compete for a win.
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Elliott was one of seven cars that didn’t clear technical inspection before the first of three qualifying rounds concluded, but he was the only driver among the final eight still eligible to compete for the championship not to make a qualify run.
The No. 24 team tried attempted to get the car though spec three times.
"It's kind of the state of the sport." crew chief Alan Gustafson told USA TODAY Sports. "(The cars) are pretty heavily scrutinized. If you don't hit it right, you don't make it."
Gustafson declined to state what part of the car was flagged by NASCAR officials, who use a laser platform to clear cars before qualifying and races. The team ran the car again through spec about an hour after qualifying.
"We will see Sunday," Gustafson said when asked if the problem had been addressed by the team.
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