Chase Elliott Skips EchoPark Race, Rajah Caruth Steps In

**Chase Elliott** withdrew from the NASCAR O'Reilly Series race at EchoPark Speedway on **5 July 2026**, and **Rajah Caruth** was officially announced as his replacement for the event.

Elliott cited a lingering shoulder strain that resurfaced during practice at the 1‑mile oval. The injury, first reported after the previous weekend’s Cup race, limited his ability to handle the high‑G turns at EchoPark. Team owner **William Byron** confirmed the decision was made to protect Elliott’s long‑term health and avoid compromising the team’s performance.

Caruth, a 24‑year‑old driver for **JR Motorsports**, has been climbing the Xfinity ladder with solid top‑10 finishes. His recent run at **Portland International Raceway**, where he finished 5th, impressed crew chief **Mike Bumgarner**. Bumgarner said Caruth’s smooth throttle control and ability to conserve tires make him a logical fit for the short‑track demands of EchoPark.

Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet was slated to start from the 12th position based on qualifying times. With Caruth stepping in, the team will run the same chassis but will likely start from the back of the field due to NASCAR’s driver‑change rules. This shift could shuffle the early‑stage battle, giving mid‑pack contenders like **Tyler Reddick** and **Denny Hamlin** a chance to gain track position.

Missing a single O'Reilly Series event reduces Elliott’s points haul, but the move protects him for the upcoming **Cup Series showdown at Darlington** on 12 July. Analysts note that preserving his shoulder now may prevent a longer‑term setback that could jeopardize his championship bid.

Caruth’s crew expects a solid run in the top‑15, emphasizing clean air and pit‑stop efficiency. The team plans to run a slightly higher fuel mixture to compensate for the extra laps required when starting from the rear. If Caruth can avoid early traffic, he could climb into the top‑10 by mid‑race, a result that would boost his Xfinity points and raise his profile within the organization.

Social media buzz shows mixed feelings. Long‑time Elliott supporters expressed disappointment but praised the team’s caution. Meanwhile, Caruth’s fan base celebrated the opportunity, flooding the team's Instagram with #CaruthAtEchoPark. Ticket holders at **EchoPark Speedway** in **Fort Lauderdale, Florida** are still expected to see a competitive field despite the headline change.

Elliott is slated to return for the **Cup race at Darlington Raceway** on 12 July, where he will start from the 8th spot after a strong qualifying run. Caruth will head back to the Xfinity schedule, targeting a top‑5 finish at the upcoming **Mid-Ohio race** on 20 July. Both drivers will carry forward the data gathered from EchoPark, informing setup tweaks for the rest of the summer stretch.