Chase Elliott Legacy: At just 28, Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott boasts a career that many drivers can only dream of, despite the setbacks of his 2023 season. With 5 Most Popular Driver titles and 1 Cup Series championship, he strides into 2024 atop a mound of achievements.
But as we celebrate his triumphs, it’s natural to ponder another comparison: his standing against his legendary father, Bill Elliott, in the NASCAR annals.
During this year’s Darlington throwback weekend in May, Chase honored his father by racing in the #9 LLumar Films red scheme, a nod to the scheme that ignited his passion for racing. Bill Elliotts career prowess was magnetic, shaping Chases love for the sport, perhaps influencing him to outpace his fathers stats.
Bill Elliott, in his 38-year career, clinched an unprecedented 16 Most Popular Driver awards. Chase, with just 9 years in the sport, has already notched 5. Undoubtedly, Chase holds the popularity mantle for now. On-track comparisons favor Chase too. Bill took 8 years to secure his first Cup Series win and another 5 to claim a championship. Chase, on the other hand, secured 3 wins in his 4th year and clinched his championship in just 6.
To put it bluntly: in their first 9 years in the Cup Series, Bill Elliott had 1 win and 0 championships. Chase Elliott boasts 18 wins and 1 championship. While it’s too early to crown Chase as the Elliott with the most accolades, hes undeniably on a promising trajectory.
Bill Elliott navigated a fiercely competitive era with giants like Earnhardt, Waltrip, and Yarborough. Yet, he carved his name in history, mastering 500-mile races, clinching the Southern 500 thrice and the Daytona 500 twice. Notably, in 1985, he clinched the Coca-Cola 500 despite nursing a broken leg from a prior track incident.
Although Bill only secured the Cup Series championship in 1988, Chase is eager for more. Joining his father in NASCARs 75 greatest drivers list in 2023 was an honor, but Chase remarked in an X post, Theres still much work left to be done . His words mirror his ambition and self-awareness. Let’s hope he rebounds from 2023 and ignites his wheels in the upcoming season.
ALSO READ: Chase Elliott Comeback: Reflecting on Challenges and Striving for Renewal
Our Reader’s Queries
What is Chase Elliott known for?
Meet William Clyde “Chase” Elliott II, a talented American stock car racing driver born on November 28, 1995. He’s currently a full-time competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series, where he drives the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports. With his impressive skills and dedication to the sport, Chase is a force to be reckoned with on the track.
What caused Chase Elliott to crash?
Hamlin and Elliott were battling for position when the incident occurred. Hamlin forced Elliott towards the outer edge of the track, resulting in Elliott colliding with the wall. In retaliation, Elliott seemed to deliberately hit the right rear of Hamlin’s bumper.
Has Chase Elliott ever won the championship?
In 2020, Chase Elliott clinched his first Cup Series championship after five full seasons in the game. He sealed the deal with his fifth win of the season at Phoenix Raceway. As of 2023, he boasts an impressive 18 career Cup Series wins, including a victory at the 2020 NASCAR All-Star Race held at Bristol Motor Speedway.
What happens to Chase Elliott?
Chase Elliott, the reigning 2020 Nascar Cup Series champion, is gearing up for the 2024 season with a fierce determination to reclaim his spot in the winner’s circle. Unfortunately, Elliott missed out on the playoffs for the first time in his eight-year stint with Hendrick Motorsports due to an injury that forced him to sit out for six races. Nonetheless, he remains undeterred and is working hard to come back stronger than ever before.
