Dale Earnhardt Jr took full responsibility for Chase Elliott’s slide that cost the former champion a win at Chicagoland Speedway on July 10, 2026. The JRM‑fielded No. 88 Chevrolet fell short in the final restart, leaving Elliott 0.171 seconds behind Brandon Jones, who claimed the checkered flag.

What happened at Chicagoland?

Elliott started 11th, worked his way through the pack and led a race‑high 78 laps. The O'Reilly Auto Parts Series returned to the Illinois track for the first time since 2019, and the former Cup champion looked poised for a momentum‑building victory. A late‑race caution set up a green‑white‑checkered finish. On the restart, Jones surged ahead, and Elliott’s car slid off the ideal line, allowing Jones to pull away and finish first.

Why Dale Earnhardt Jr felt accountable

After the race, Earnhardt Jr explained on his Dale Jr. Download podcast that he and his crew “didn’t give Chase a good enough car to win.” He emphasized the partnership’s goal of giving Elliott a “fun, winning ride” and admitted the team fell short. The sentiment extended to Connor Zilisch, who started on pole, won Stage 1, but ran out of fuel and dropped to 10th after a “bada‑car” moment, which Earnhardt Jr also blamed on his crew’s mis‑calculation.

How the result impacts JRM and Elliott

Four JRM entries finished inside the top‑12, showing the team’s speed despite the disappointment. Jones, a former JRM driver in 2023‑24, earned his first series win of the calendar year, highlighting the depth of talent Earnhardt Jr has cultivated. For Elliott, the near‑miss adds pressure ahead of his next JRM outing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 25, where he’ll look to turn the setback into a podium.

What’s next for Dale Earnhardt Jr and his team?

Earnhardt Jr said the team will review the restart strategy and fuel calculations that cost Zilisch a strong finish. He praised Jones for “doing a hell of a job on that final restart” while vowing to fine‑tune the No. 88 Chevrolet for future races. The focus now shifts to Indianapolis, where JRM hopes to deliver a win for Elliott and prove the lessons learned at Chicagoland can translate into a victory.

Key takeaways: Dale Earnhardt Jr owns the misstep, the team’s performance remains strong overall, and the next test comes at Indianapolis on July 25, 2026.