Chase Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion, addressed the growing conversation about podium celebrations in racing after his third-place result in Mexico City, highlighting his stance on balancing NASCAR’s unique traditions with evolving motorsport practices. The debate follows a podium-style finish at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, an approach more common in Formula 1 and IndyCar than in NASCAR, drawing attention to how the sport might adapt these moments moving forward.
After Shane van Gisbergen’s victory in Mexico City, Elliott joined van Gisbergen and Christopher Bell on the podium, a departure from standard NASCAR celebrations. This produced discussion across the sport, especially after Kyle Larson suggested introducing podium ceremonies at special races such as the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600. The suggestion came just before the Mexico City event, prompting questions about whether NASCAR should adopt this practice more widely.
NASCAR Drivers Reflect on Podium Traditions
When asked about podiums ahead of the Pocono Raceway event, Elliott shared his nuanced view. While not strongly for or against podium celebrations, he expressed respect for honoring race winners, stating the importance of ensuring achievements are celebrated properly within the sport’s context. He acknowledged that sharing the podium with Shane van Gisbergen felt different, given NASCAR’s usual customs.
Elliott’s openness to both maintaining tradition and possibly starting new ones reflects the current crossroads for NASCAR. The Mexico City podium, where Henry Romero of Reuters captured the top three drivers celebrating, signaled potential change but also spurred conversation about how far NASCAR should move toward the format seen in other series. While driver and fan opinions remain mixed, the podium moment itself showcased both acceptance and hesitation around shifting traditions.
Elliott Shares Balanced View on Embracing Change
Adding depth to the discussion, Elliott elaborated on his position:
“Yeah, I am not really for it or against it,”
—Chase Elliott, Driver
“But that has not historically been us. So I just want to make sure our focus is being us as NASCAR and that’s OK. We are our own form of motorsports and I think we can stand on our own two feet and we can do our own thing. So, as long as we are not doing it to be like everybody else, I am fine. But if that is the case, I am also good not doing it.”
—Chase Elliott, Driver
He spoke about the value in maintaining what makes NASCAR unique, suggesting that standing apart from other motorsports is not only acceptable but desirable. While noting that being part of a podium celebration isn’t usual, he is fine participating if it means starting a new tradition that feels right for the series.
What to Expect as NASCAR Rethinks Its Ceremonies
The discussion initiated by Elliott and his peers comes at a time when NASCAR continues to blend tradition and innovation. As competitors like Kyle Larson voice interest in adding podiums at major events, and as moments like those in Mexico City gain attention, NASCAR faces the choice of preserving longstanding customs or initiating selective updates to its celebrations. The outcome of this ongoing conversation will shape how drivers, teams, and fans honor excellence in the future, especially as key names like Chase Elliott, Shane van Gisbergen, and Christopher Bell weigh in on the matter. Sunday’s race at Pocono Raceway, with coverage on Prime beginning at 2 p.m. ET, will provide another opportunity for the sport to demonstrate its approach to tradition and change.
