Chase Elliott, one of NASCAR’s most popular drivers, faced intense fan backlash following the unveiling of the NAPA Auto Parts 100-year anniversary tribute paint scheme during a recent event at Texas Motor Speedway. Debuting a look meant to celebrate a century of NAPA’s support for motorsports, Elliott instead found himself at the center of controversy as supporters voiced their strong disappointment with both the car’s design and the broader handling of the tribute.
NAPA Auto Parts, known for its enduring sponsorship in NASCAR since 1976, has proudly backed Chase Elliott since 2014. To mark its milestone anniversary, the brand, together with Elliott, organized a special tribute that generated a wave of anticipation across the racing community. With fans expecting a spectacular and reflective gold livery symbolizing NAPA’s rich legacy, the underwhelming reveal left many feeling let down. Instead of the hoped-for sparkle, the scheme was criticized for being muted and uninspired, failing to match the vibrancy many associate with major celebrations.
Reactions quickly poured onto social media platforms. Followers of NASCAR and Chase Elliott shared blunt opinions, with numerous fans describing the paint scheme as “dull” and “lackluster.” Some compared it unfavorably to iconic designs from NASCAR’s past, pointing out that, for such an important occasion, this tribute missed the mark. Frustration grew even stronger as images of Elliott’s updated firesuit circulated, met by comments that it did little to capture the excitement or importance of NAPA’s centennial.
The criticism did not stop at the aesthetics. Some detractors made connections between the disappointing tribute and Chase Elliott’s recent struggles on the racetrack. As Elliott has not scored a win since his last victory at Texas, questions about his current form began to intertwine with the furor over the paint scheme. One particularly harsh line of commentary dubbed the new look “the homeless look,” highlighting just how deeply fans care about the image and identity of their favorite drivers.
Elliott himself has previously emphasized how significant distinctive paint schemes can be for NASCAR drivers, not just for sponsors, but for image and morale. This backlash, coming at a time when he is under pressure to reclaim his winning ways, represents a pivotal challenge both personally and professionally. “The look of the car matters to fans, and it matters to me,” Elliott said, acknowledging that the response to tributes like NAPA’s can reflect on his standing in the sport.
Looking ahead, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Chase Elliott. As the NASCAR season continues, fans and critics alike are waiting to see whether he can respond to this setback — not only with a more celebrated look, but more importantly, with stronger performances on the track. This situation underscores the powerful relationship between driver, sponsor, and supporters, and sets the stage for what could become a defining period in Elliott’s racing career.
