NASCAR driver adds fuel to the fire with quintessential merchandise
To recap, Chase Elliott and Kevin Harvick made contact while racing for the lead at Bristol Motor Speedway. Harvick got loose and ran into Elliott, cutting Elliott’s tire.
Related: NASCAR drivers Chase Elliott, Kevin Harvick feud at Bristol (Video)
After a green flag pit stop, Elliott passed the race leader. He then sat in front of him, placing Harvick in dirty air for 30 laps.
Harvick burned his tires. Kyle Larson ran him down in the closing laps, pulled a slider and grabbed the race win.
After the race, the two drivers entered into a shouting match. A private conversation in Elliott’s hauler following. Harvick stated that speaking to Elliott was similar to talking to his 9-year-old son.
A week later, Harvick cryptically hinted that the feud wasn’t over.
Related: Kevin Harvick calls Chase Elliott childish after private Bristol conversation
Elliott vs Harvick: Charlotte ROVAL
It wasn’t…
The two drivers were battling for position at the Charlotte ROVAL. Harvick drove it deep into the corner, knocking the rear bumper of Elliott and sent him into the wall.
The No. 9 car sustained heavy damage. With the deck lid knocked off, it looked like Elliott’s championship hopes were over.
Related: Kevin Harvick wrecks Chase Elliott at Charlotte ROVAL (Video)
Meanwhile, the team made tentative plans over the radio to get back above the playoff cut line. That plan was to wreck Harvick, knock him out of the playoffs and simultaneously bump Elliott above the cut line.
However, an extra caution allowed the Hendrick Motorsports team additional time to repair the machine. After that, Elliott was fast enough to drive it into the top-15.
He climbed within a car length of Harvick for the first time since the incident. Payback seemed likely. But, it wasn’t needed as Harvick drove it deep into turn one, locked up the front brakes and slammed the wall.
With smoke billowing for the machine, Harvick was done for the day and he was eliminated from the playoffs. Meanwhile, Elliott was able to claw above the cutline and he advanced into the Round of 8.
Elliott said after the race, “As far as Kevin goes, I just want to wish them a merry off-season and a happy Christmas.”
NASCAR has since commented on the altercations between the two drivers. They’ve hinted that parking one or both of them could be a last resort if things continue.
Related: NASCAR reacts to Kevin Harvick, Chase Elliott crash on Charlotte ROVAL
Chase Elliott selling ‘Merry Offseason’ shirt
In a stroke of pure genius from the team of the defending NASCAR champion, they’ve put it on a t-shirt. The pot continues to stir.
“Wishing you a MERRY OFFSEASON And a Happy Christmas”
The phrase is available as a t-shirt. Alternatively, it’s also available as a sweater.
The product description explains, “To make it a Happy Christmas for everyone, the Chase Elliott Foundation is making a donation to the Toys for Tots. Please purchase any of our **MERRY OFFSEASON** gear to help support!”
The new merch was added just two days after the race.
T-Shirt
$24.95
Sweater
$39.95
Both items are available for pre-order with orders expected to ship Oct/Nov, per the Chase Elliott Store website.
Links
Chase Elliott | Kevin Harvick | Charlotte Motor Speedway | NASCAR
