Chase Elliott NASCAR fun facts have captivated the attention of racing fans everywhere, adding color to his impressive career as the driver of the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. Elliott, with 20 NASCAR Cup Series wins and a 2020 championship to his name, is not just a talented competitor—he’s also a seven-time Most Popular Driver award winner who has become a familiar favorite at racetracks across the country.
Beyond his headline-making statistics and on-track triumphs, there’s a lot more to Chase Elliott’s personality and lifestyle that fans may not know. Here are seven fascinating insights into what makes this Georgia native and fan favorite tick, both on and off the racetrack.
He Draws Inspiration from Racing Legends
Chase Elliott’s passion for motorsports was ignited in part by respected figures in the racing world and by his own family. He has long admired his father, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, and credits his parents and grandparents as important influences. In the professional arena, Elliott looks up to some of NASCAR’s most decorated drivers, including Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, and Kasey Kahne. These racing icons set a standard that Elliott strives to emulate in his own career.
“As far as racers, I was always a big Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne and Jimmie Johnson fan since I was really little. Those are three guys I always had a lot of respect for and looked up to.”
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Racing Was Always His Life’s Ambition
Coming from a lineage steeped in motorsports, including his famous dad, Elliott never entertained the notion of pursuing a different path. Even the idea of another dream job doesn’t cross his mind—being a race car driver was never just an option, but the default setting for his life. His singular focus on competing in stock car racing underscores his deep attachment to the sport and the legacy of racers in his family.
He Rallies to the Soundtrack of Eric Church Before Races
Like many athletes who rely on music to gear up for competition, Elliott has a preferred artist who helps him channel his energy. Country music singer Eric Church is the artist who gets Elliott amped for race day. Listening to Church before climbing into his Chevrolet stock car is part of Elliott’s pre-race ritual, providing clarity and motivation as he prepares to tackle high-speed circuits.
“Big Eric Church fan. He gets me fired up.”
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Adrenaline-Fueled Hobbies Fill His Free Time
Elliott’s drive for adrenaline does not end at the checkered flag. Away from the racetrack, he enjoys piloting airplanes—an activity for which he holds a pilot’s license—and carving down snowy slopes on a snowboard. He relishes the thrill that accompanies these pursuits, although his love for snowboarding led to a setback in 2023 when he broke his leg during an accident. These hobbies mirror the excitement and risk that define his racing career.
“Fly some airplanes occasionally and go snowboarding.”
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
A Devoted Atlanta Braves Supporter
Chase Elliott isn’t just about cars and trophies; he’s also a regular fan at Major League Baseball parks, especially when the Atlanta Braves are playing. Born and raised in Dawsonville, Georgia, Elliott has a strong connection to his home state’s baseball team. Whether attending games or sporting Braves apparel at NASCAR events, his support for the club is a testament to his loyalty to his roots and love for professional sports beyond racing.
The Need for Speed Is His Biggest Attraction to NASCAR
With his long list of achievements, some might expect Elliott to mention the sense of accomplishment or fame when discussing his favorite part of racing. Instead, for him, the core appeal of NASCAR is rooted in speed. Whether he’s navigating a superspeedway or maneuvering through tight turns, the exhilaration of moving fast is what keeps the fire alive for Elliott on the racetrack.
Chicken Parmesan: His Pre-Race Meal of Choice
Fueling for the demands of a four-hour NASCAR race is essential, and Elliott has made chicken parmesan his meal of choice before climbing into the driver’s seat. This culinary preference is more than just a routine—it’s a pre-race comfort that gives him the energy and satisfaction needed to focus on the grueling hours ahead. Back in 2016, Elliott proudly declared his love for this classic dish as his go-to before hitting the track.
The seven Chase Elliott NASCAR fun facts shared above spotlight a multidimensional driver whose interests, traditions, and inspirations extend far beyond his impressive statistics. Elliott’s admiration for champions like Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, and Kasey Kahne, combined with a steadfast dedication to racing and an irrepressible thrill-seeking spirit, have helped shape his career. Fans can expect to see more of his unique personality shine, both behind the wheel and in his off-track pursuits, as he continues to captivate the NASCAR world for years to come.
