Chase Elliott 28th Birthday: Two days before a potential 6th Most Popular Driver award, Chase Elliott celebrated his 28th birthday, marking another milestone in his illustrious racing career. While his previous five accolades might surprise some, his enduring popularity stems from a rich racing legacya legacy inherited from his father, NASCAR icon Bill Elliott, who secured a remarkable 16 MPD awards during his own racing era. Yet, in 1995, Bill Elliott was noticeably absent from claiming his 10th award, a curious absence that has recently been unveiled after 28 years.
Revelations shed light on the touching reason behind Elliott Sr.’s absence. The 1988 Cup Series champion was blessed with the arrival of a future star mere days before the awards ceremony. Hendrick Motorsports‘ #9 driver, Chase Elliott, emerged into the lives of Cindy and Bill Elliott in that pivotal year.
“Your babies are always your babies,” shared Cindy Elliott, Chase’s mother, in an interview with NBC Sports a year ago. Even the typically composed Bill Elliott reflected nostalgically on his six-year-old son’s jubilation during victories. “It’s how fast things go. I’m in Victory Lane at Indy in 2002 and now here you are 20 years later and here he is grown and doing his own thing.” Their roles reversed as Elliott Sr. retired, becoming a fervent supporter of his son, finding greater joy in Chase’s triumphs than in his own accolades.
Memories of the little kid learning racing ropes lingered, especially during the go-kart racing days in Colorado. “I still think the most fun times we had together are the things we did when we lived in Colorado and he was go-kart racing out there. It was just kind of a great time. I think it was a fun series we ran. There wasn’t a lot of pressure. I kind of still see him in that.” When news arrived of his son’s birth, Bill Elliott prioritized his newborn over all else, including the Most Popular Driver Award ceremony.
Social media posts and speculations floated about Bill Elliott’s absence, theorizing that he might have been tending to parental duties. A newspaper clipping hinted at Bill’s no-show, suggesting he might have been home in Georgia, potentially changing diapers, coinciding with the birth of “seven-pound, three-ounce boy” named William Clyde Elliott Jr., affectionately known as “Chase.” 28 years have passed since then, witnessing Chase’s transformation from a sideline supporter to a celebrated driver living his childhood aspirations.
Even Chase’s parents couldn’t fathom his meteoric rise at Hendrick Motorsports, where the five-time MPD award winner has become an invaluable asset. By age 20, Chase Elliott had clinched a Nationwide championship and transitioned to the Cup Series, fulfilling his dreams of being a racerdreams that Cindy Elliott had secretly hoped would lean towards golf clubs in his younger days. Nevertheless, Rick Hendrick recognized Chase’s destined path behind the wheel.
Despite concerns about his experience, HMS owner Rick Hendrick, confident in Chase’s potential, elevated him to the Cup Series in 2016. “I think he’s going to win a race and I think he has a really good shot at making the Chase that’s how confident I am. I would never put him in the car if I didn’t think he could do it,” expressed Hendrick to motorsport.com.
As predicted, Elliott became the youngest Daytona 500 pole winner, securing a playoff spot in his rookie year. Seven years hence, he boasts 18 Cup wins and the coveted 2020 championship. Here’s extending heartfelt birthday wishes to the beloved driver, Chase Elliott, a true testament to talent, perseverance, and racing legacy
ALSO READ: Chase Elliott NASCAR Journey: Roots, Legends, and a Shoulder to Success
Our Reader’s Queries
Who is the race car driver named Elliot?
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.
When was Chase Elliott’s rookie year?
At just 15 years old, Chase Elliott made his debut in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East in 2011. He kicked off his racing career on April 2nd at Greenville-Pickens Speedway, ready to take on the competition.
Why did Chase Elliott change numbers?
In preparation for the 2018 season, Chase Elliott made a switch from the No. 24 entry to the No. 9 – the same number that his father had made famous during his career. Despite no changes in personnel, the team’s performance saw a significant boost.
