Chase Elliott’s early racing journey set the foundation for his rise as one of NASCAR’s most celebrated athletes, earning him seven consecutive Most Popular Driver awards. Despite being the son of Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, Chase has built a career that stands on its own merits, carving out his own identity beyond his father’s storied legacy.
With 20 Cup Series wins over 11 seasons, Elliott has firmly established himself at the top level, but his origins in motorsports go much further back. Before his achievements in late model racing, where he claimed major event victories and the unofficial grand slam of super late model competition, Elliott revealed that his passion for racing began as a child behind the wheel of a go-kart. Reflecting on his earliest experiences, Chase Elliott noted that he was just eight when he first started driving, emphasizing that it was hardly a serious endeavor at that time.
During a recent appearance on Lindsay Czarniak’s YouTube podcast Things No One Tells You, Elliott shared insights into the mindset he developed as a young racer, acknowledging the challenges and excitement that shaped him from an early stage. As he recounted, the environment during his initial years behind the wheel focused more on having fun than on competitive ambition. He said,
It was a hobby, and you were out having a good time. I wouldn’t say things started to get really serious until I was 13, 14. I mean, still, that’s a very young age, I feel like to have to kind of recognize the severity of what’s going on.
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
As Elliott transitioned into late model racing at age 13 or 14, he became more aware of the pressure and expectations that came with being the son of Bill Elliott. There was a unique sense of responsibility, but Chase made clear that the true drive to succeed had to come from within. He has stated,
You have to have that desire on your own to want to go do it. Obviously, I admired Dad’s career and always looked up to him from the racing side.
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
Growing up in a family so deeply rooted in motorsports meant missing out on some ordinary childhood experiences. While many friends and peers were enjoying typical weekends, Elliott was learning from industry veterans and picking up crucial insights at racetracks. Although he sometimes wished to share in his friends’ activities, his commitment to racing never waned, propelled by a steady and persistent passion for the sport. Guided not just by his father, but also by professionals encountered along the way, Chase Elliott turned those lessons into fuel for his journey forward, determined to establish his own mark in the sport.
Navigating Family Legacy and Choosing His Own Path
Elliott has often addressed the subject of living up to his father Bill Elliott’s reputation. He emphasized that his upbringing offered him the space and independence to pursue his interests, never forcing racing upon him. This approach allowed Chase to make his own decisions and stand apart from comparisons to his famous parent.
He recalled the open-mindedness his parents displayed throughout his early years in racing, saying,
Hey, mom and dad! I don’t want to do this anymore,
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
This philosophy meant that Elliott was free to choose his direction, and he knew his parents would have been supportive, regardless of whether he continued racing or not. Knowing he was following his own desires, not simply following in Bill Elliott’s footsteps, was significant in helping him build confidence and a strong sense of purpose.
Although Chase strives to match the greatness achieved by his father, his journey reflects a persistent dedication to forging his own path. The influence of industry veterans, friends, and steadfast family support has allowed him to transform potential pressures into motivation, helping him become one of the sport’s standout athletes. As Elliott continues to make an impact in NASCAR, his story remains a powerful testament to the importance of personal ambition and resilient commitment in achieving lasting success.
