Dale Earnhardt Jr. Reveals the Cutthroat Reality Behind Chase Elliott’s Atlanta Victory Over Teammate Alex Bowman

Chase Elliott took the win at EchoPark Speedway on Saturday, June 28, thanks in part to a perfectly timed assist from teammate Alex Bowman. Bowman, who had the opportunity to go for the win, gave Elliott a push to the front instead. Dale Earnhardt Jr. understands why Bowman made the decision.

In fact, the NASCAR Hall of Famer points out that Bowman had no other choice but to sacrifice glory in that situation.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Exposes the Ruthless Truth Behind Chase Elliott’s Win Over Teammate Bowman
As a Cup Series champion and arguably NASCAR’s most popular driver, Elliott carries more weight at Hendrick Motorsports than Bowman. This gives the No.9 the freedom to prioritize his interests on track when it matters most.

Unlike Elliott, Bowman lacks the cushion of long-term security. Any failed attempt to win could have drawn backlash from both the Hendrick brass and the fanbase. That’s the observation Earnhardt makes.

“Alex (Bowman) had a real shot at winning the race, but he got taken three wide by Chase Elliott down the front straightaway,” Earnhardt said on the latest episode of his “Dale Jr. Download” podcast. He then went on to discuss how Elliott had the luxury to take risks, but Bowman didn’t.

“You can get away with being selfish, and not get in trouble, not getting scolded, you know, nobody cussing at you at the end of the race.”

“Your owner’s not mad at you. Your other, you know, the other crew chiefs and other teammates ain’t mad at you. Because to be good in Atlanta, and the style of the racing, you have to be selfish. You have to make it about you.”

“You have to take every run, even against your teammate. You have to do everything you can to be that leading teammate.”

“Because if it comes down to it, and we’re on the last lap, and the 48 is in front of the nine, then the nine is kind of in a position where he kind of has to help the 48. Same way that 17 of Chris Buescher was in that sort of the same spot with Brad (Keselowski) late in the race.”

“He’s like, you know, if it’s not Brad Keselowski in front of him, he’s probably not helping him. He’s probably taking some of these runs to go around him, but he’s sitting there, saying, ‘Well, I can’t do this to my teammate-owner.’”

“And so, you know, it’s a tough spot to be in. I like Alex, but yeah, I’m going to go win this damn race. And that’s what he (Elliott) thought since the green flag dropped, and you could see him. He took Alex three wide more than once in that race.”

“Chase could be Chase. Chase can go out there and be selfish and do what he wants for himself, and he should. Alex isn’t really afforded that same leeway because he’s not won enough races or a championship.”

“They’ve won the same number of races, honestly, in the last couple of years. But Chase is the most popular driver and also the champion. He’s got long-term equity built up in that team.”