A recent article by Fox Sports weighs the risk vs. reward for NASCAR drivers when participating in dangerous activities off the track.
According to the article, driver Chase Elliott broke his left tibia in a snowboarding accident at Vail Mountain, CO just last Friday.
Elliott will miss at least six weeks to recover. He will be replaced by Josh Berry until he’s able to return.
Elliott is considered to be NASCAR’s most popular driver, and his absence will certainly be a loss for the sport.
^Chase Elliott (green goggles), snowboarding at Breckenridge with Danny Davis (red hat, left side of picture), and Red Gerard (yellow jacket) Credit: Hendrick Motorsports
For context, in the NFL, it would be like if Patrick Mahones had to miss three games in the middle of the season due to a skiing injury.
Henrick Motorsports released the following statement about Elliott’s injury:
“We’re focused on getting Chase back to 100%, so we’ll take however much time is necessary and make sure he has the best resources available,” Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick said in a statement. “Josh was impressive this weekend under difficult circumstances, and we look forward to having him drive the oval tracks until Chase is able to return. Jordan is a world-class road racer and has recently been working with our Garage 56 team preparing for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He’ll be able to step in and do a great job at COTA.”
^Vail Mountain Trail Map
The injury has sparked a debate: Should athletes participate in dangerous action sports/activities when they’re not competing?
Athletes should be able to do whatever the hell they want.
It sucks if they can’t compete due to an injury they sustained while skiing, playing golf, or doing another activity, but they have to be able to live their lives.
With that said, maybe Elliott should wait until the offseason before going snowboarding again? Just a thought…
Featured & Header Image Credits: FACEBOOK/Chase Elliot
