UPDATE: Chase Elliott WILL Return This Weekend

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

UPDATE: Chase Elliott has confirmed that he will return to full-time Cup racing this weekend at Martinsville.

Elliott received a Playoff waiver from NASCAR and will be eligible for all points.

Original story follows:

Chase Elliott’s return from a fractured left tibia may come sooner than later if you’re listening to Jeff Gordon, the Hall of Fame NASCAR driver and current Vice Chairman of Hendrick Motorsports. He made the comment Wednesday morning on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

In fact, Gordon said Elliott’s return might even happen this weekend at Martinsville.

Do the fans think it’s good timing?

• One question is: Are short-track venues such as this weekend’s trip to Martinsville — or next weekend’s trip to Talladega — the best places to come back from an injury? Or should he wait for a less taxing track?
• While Jeff Gordon mentioned NASCAR’s most popular driver could come back soon, the truth is we may not know for sure until as late as Saturday — though preparations for the car, which has been driven since Las Vegas by Josh Berry, would need to be made to fit Elliott’s preferences.
• Many fans feel that the television ratings dip that NASCAR has seen over the past couple of months may be partially due to Elliott’s absence.

IN THE STANDS

Kyle Douglas made a good point about the challenges the next few weekends pose for someone coming back from an injury:

Mark Walker seems to have some insider knowledge that may show where things are heading with Chase Elliott.

NGaming88 is worried about Talledega (Sunday, April 23) being a prospective date Elliott may race.

Marcia Lynn is ready to have NASCAR’s most popular driver back.

Gabe Schmidt had a different view about Talladega, but many people who responded to Bob Pockrass’ initial Tweet feel Martinsville (this weekend) may be a stretch, physically.