Chase Elliott, star driver for Hendrick Motorsports and known for his steady rise in NASCAR, has revealed his vision for a new, ultra-abrasive race track if given a $5 million budget. The plan, first discussed in 2014 during an interview with veteran journalist Jeff Gluck, centers on building a track using old asphalt, maximizing abrasion to challenge drivers with demanding tire management. Elliott, reflecting on what would make a race both unique and competitive, specified,
“I would use old asphalt for the track to make it as abrasive as possible.”
The idea originated when Jeff Gluck asked Chase Elliott how he would invest $5 million into a racetrack project. Elliott responded with enthusiasm, sharing his interest in developing a track similar to the narrow, treacherous lanes of Darlington, but in a shorter, more intricate format. He explained his intention to create a site that forces drivers to strategize, requiring careful handling under extreme surface wear, emphasizing the role of tire conservation and technical skill.
Chase Elliott’s insights carry weight, given his decorated background and continued success in NASCAR. As the son of legendary driver Bill Elliott, Chase made his mark early, with a string of late model and short-track triumphs before capturing the attention of the motorsports world. By 2014, he had become the youngest, first rookie to secure a NASCAR Xfinity Series championship. His transition to the Cup Series in 2016 led to 19 victories and a celebrated championship win in 2020, cementing his status among NASCAR’s elite talents.
This season, Chase Elliott sits fourth in the Cup Series points standings, having achieved three top-five finishes and six top-tens, with an impressive average finish of 11.4. Though he has yet to claim a win or stage victory, consistency remains a hallmark of his approach. Recently, Elliott spoke candidly about NASCAR’s “option tire” discussions, sharing with Frontstretch’s Dalton Hopkins that no solution pleases everyone, yet racers must adapt.
“Some always win and others lose, inevitably leading to some dissatisfaction,”
he remarked.
The boldness of Chase Elliott’s $5 million abrasive track project underlines a restless desire for innovation and challenge within NASCAR. If realized, such a track could redefine race strategies and driver performance expectations, ushering in fresh debates about competition and skill. As Elliott’s career continues to flourish, his vision stands as a testament to the evolving ambitions shaping modern motorsport, hinting at potentially dramatic changes on the horizon.
