Chase Elliott, a native of Dawsonville, Georgia, openly considers Atlanta Motor Speedway his main home track, but he has often described Talladega Superspeedway as a special “second home” due to its connection to his family’s racing legacy and its proximity to home. The focus keyword, Chase Elliott Talladega second home track, is central to understanding his ties to both Atlanta and Talladega as the NASCAR season returns to these fan-favorite venues.
Growing Up With Atlanta as a First Home Track
Located just 75 miles south of his hometown, Atlanta Motor Speedway stands out as the place where Chase Elliott’s racing roots were planted. Elliott’s connection to Atlanta runs deep, not only because it’s nearby but also due to the community’s unique traditions. Whenever Elliott wins, the Dawsonville Pool Room siren blares in celebration, a practice dating back to his father, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, who forged a storied career on the same tracks. Atlanta’s status as Elliott’s favorite venue is little surprise, given these personal and local ties.
The Unique Appeal of Talladega
Beyond Atlanta, Talladega Superspeedway commands a close second as Elliott’s most cherished track. Known as the largest oval in NASCAR, its 2.66-mile tri-oval design leads many to compare it to Atlanta, so much so that some have described Atlanta as “Talladega on Steroids” because of the speed and excitement found at both. Talladega’s geographical closeness—about 150 miles from Dawsonville—strengthens this bond.
Family Legacy and Fan Support in Alabama
Chase Elliott has publicly shared why Talladega means so much to him. Appearing recently with country musician Eric Church on the “Things No One Tells You” podcast hosted by Lindsay Czarniak, Elliott discussed how Atlanta and Talladega are both close to his heart. He emphasized the influence his father, Bill Elliott, had with his own successes at the Alabama track. Over the years, fans’ enthusiastic support at Talladega has helped make it feel like a true home setting to Chase, echoing the atmosphere found in Atlanta.
“Talladega, I’ve always kind of looked at that race,”
—Chase Elliott, Driver
“Obviously, Atlanta’s my home track. But with Dad’s success at Talladega and the special things that they did throughout his career and how close it is to home, for whatever reason, fans have really kind of made it feel like a home track to me. That has made Talladega special, in my eyes.”
—Chase Elliott, Driver
Similar Success at Both Tracks
Elliott’s competitive records at Atlanta and Talladega are strikingly close. In Atlanta, he has tallied 14 Cup Series starts, earning two victories, three top-five finishes, and nine top-10 results. Meanwhile, Talladega has seen him compete 19 times, also achieving two wins but with six top-fives and nine top-10s. His father Bill Elliott, meanwhile, found even greater success at Atlanta, with five career wins and two victories at Talladega, deepening the family’s association with both venues.
Why Talladega Feels Like Home
The connection goes beyond numbers or geography. For Chase, Talladega’s significance is also wrapped up in family milestones and the shared excitement of racing on a legendary stage. The track is well-known for producing dramatic moments like “The Big One”—multi-car wrecks that can shake up the running order in an instant—adding to its mystique. Elliott credits Talladega’s atmosphere and proximity for fostering his sense of belonging there.
“I guess it’s because it’s so close to home,”
—Chase Elliott, Driver
“I don’t know if it’s just his (Bill Elliott’s) past and the wins and the speed record and all that stuff. Obviously (Talladega) has a great significance over the course of NASCAR history, or if it’s just ’cause it’s right across state lines, but nonetheless, it’s always kind of felt like a home race.”
—Chase Elliott, Driver
Winning at Talladega: What It Means for Elliott
Achieving victory at Talladega holds special meaning for Elliott due to the combination of family heritage, challenging plate-racing style, and energetic support from the Alabama crowd. Elliott sees each win there as a nod to his journey and the fans who consider Talladega a local affair.
“For me to be able to win over there is special for that reason, probably more than anything else,”
—Chase Elliott, Driver
“Plate racing is, it’s just one of those things that you certainly have to have some things go your way, but just that atmosphere is what makes that place special to me, and how close it is to the house.”
—Chase Elliott, Driver
Looking Ahead: Elliott’s Enduring Connection to Southern Tracks
Chase Elliott’s affection for both Atlanta Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway showcases his deep roots in Southern motorsports and his appreciation for tradition. As the NASCAR season brings him back to these key tracks, Elliott’s unique bond with his home fans and his family’s legacy remains integral to his racing career, ensuring both tracks will continue to feel like home, no matter the results.
