NASCAR Shocker: Chase Elliott Suspended for 2025 Season, 22-Year-Old Corey Heim Steps In
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community, Hendrick Motorsports’ star driver Chase Elliott has been suspended for the entire 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season following a controversial incident at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) on March 2, 2025.
The suspension, announced by NASCAR on March 6, stems from Elliott’s intentional right-rear hooking of competitor Ross Chastain on the first lap,
an action deemed dangerous by the sanctioning body. Replacing the 2020 Cup Series champion in the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will be 22-year-old American rising star Corey Heim, a move that signals a bold new chapter for Hendrick Motorsports.
The incident at COTA unfolded during a heated battle when Chastain’s move spun Elliott out, prompting the No. 9 driver to retaliate by hooking Chastain’s car, causing significant damage.
NASCAR’s review, utilizing in-car camera footage, steering data, and SMT metrics, confirmed the act was intentional, violating Sections 4.3.A and 4.4.C of the NASCAR Member Code of Conduct, which prohibit dangerous actions like “removing another competitor from championship contention in a dangerous manner.”
This marks Elliott’s second suspension for right-rear hooking, following a one-race ban in 2023 for a similar incident with Denny Hamlin at Charlotte Motor Speedway. NASCAR Senior Vice President Elton Sawyer emphasized the severity of the penalty, stating, “Drivers must understand that such actions put others in harm’s way. We are committed to maintaining safety and consistency.”
Elliott, the sport’s seven-time Most Popular Driver and son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, issued a statement expressing regret: “I let my emotions get the better of me, and I apologize to Ross, my team, and the fans. I’ll use this time to reflect and come back stronger.”
Hendrick Motorsports, while acknowledging NASCAR’s need for consistency, did not appeal the suspension but requested a playoff waiver for Elliott’s potential return in 2026. Team Vice Chairman Jeff Gordon added, “Chase is a champion, and we support him fully. This is an opportunity for growth, and we’re excited to see what Corey Heim brings to the No. 9 team.”
Stepping into Elliott’s seat is Corey Heim, a Georgia native and the 2023 Craftsman Truck Series champion, who has been making waves as a development driver for 23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. At 22, Heim is one of NASCAR’s brightest prospects, with a proven track record in the Truck and Xfinity Series.
His Cup Series experience includes part-time starts in 2024, notably a 25th-place finish at Dover and a 22nd at Kansas while substituting for Erik Jones at Legacy Motor Club. Heim’s debut with Hendrick Motorsports at Kansas Speedway on April 6, 2025, will mark his first full-time Cup Series race, a significant leap for the young driver.
Heim expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “Driving for Hendrick Motorsports is a dream come true. Chase has set a high standard, and I’m ready to compete and learn.” His familiarity with Elliott, having raced against him in late models, adds an intriguing dynamic.
Posts on X reflect excitement among fans, with many praising Heim’s potential to shine in top-tier equipment, though some express disappointment over Elliott’s absence, noting his consistent 2024 season, where he posted a series-best 11.7 average finish.
The suspension poses significant ramifications for Elliott and NASCAR. Missing the entire 2025 season, Elliott faces a steep climb to maintain his championship pedigree, especially after a strong 2024 where he reached the Round of 8. His absence could impact TV ratings, given his popularity,
as seen when ratings dipped during his 2023 injury-related absence. For Heim, this is a career-defining moment. A strong performance could cement his status as a future star, potentially altering the NASCAR landscape.
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Heim and the No. 9 team, starting with the Coca-Cola 600 on May 25, 2025, where he’ll aim to snap Elliott’s year-long points-paying winless streak. Meanwhile, Elliott’s suspension serves as a reminder of NASCAR’s zero-tolerance policy on dangerous driving, setting the stage for a dramatic season. Fans can follow the action on FOX Sports, NBC Sports, or NASCAR.com, with updates trending on X.
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