The Chase Elliott siren controversy erupted at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September 21, 2025, as an intense display of fandom clashed with track etiquette, fueling widespread reactions across social media and the NASCAR community. The incident, rooted in the beloved Dawsonville tradition honoring Elliott’s race wins, quickly drew polarized responses about the boundaries of passionate support.
A Closer Look at NASCAR’s Deep-Rooted Fan Culture
Passionate fans have always been central to NASCAR, often expressing their loyalty in highly visible ways that help define the sport’s unique culture. This devotion occasionally leads to memorable moments, such as the 2007 incident at Watkins Glen when a fan crossed the barrier searching for an autograph from Matt Kenseth during a race stoppage. While these acts are typically fueled by admiration, they can sometimes push acceptable limits and spark broader debate.
At the heart of the Chase Elliott siren controversy is an episode that took place just as Elliott, a prominent NASCAR driver from Georgia, was competing in the Mobil 1 301 at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Elliott was sitting seventh in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff standings, narrowly holding a five-point cushion above the cutline, and started the race from the 27th position. During this tense period, an admirer of Elliott decided to pay tribute with a striking gesture reminiscent of Dawsonville’s famed victory tradition.
The Siren: From Dawsonville Legend to Loudon Controversy
The tradition inspiring the siren began in 1983 at the Pool Room in Dawsonville, Georgia. Gordon Pirkle, the establishment’s owner, would sound an old patrol car siren to celebrate Bill Elliott’s NASCAR victories, making it a hallmark of the town for all 44 of his NASCAR Cup wins. This practice was revived in 2014 to honor Chase Elliott’s growing list of racing achievements, with the siren blaring in recognition of his 20 Cup Series triumphs, serving as a point of pride for the community.
At New Hampshire Motor Speedway, however, one Chase Elliott fan escalated this hometown tradition by constructing a portable siren, complete with Elliott’s No. 9 and NAPA branding. The individual claimed the device reached a volume of 160 decibels and unleashed it on the campgrounds on the eve of the big race. Jeff Gluck underscored the event’s intensity by reporting,
“This Chase Elliott fan brought his own siren. Says it’s 160 decibels and woke up the campgrounds with it last night.”
– Jeff Gluck, Journalist
While intended as a show of loyalty, the sheer volume—described as comparable to a gunshot and potentially damaging to hearing—shook the campers, transforming what might have been a spirited tribute into a major disturbance. The ensuing backlash highlighted the delicate balance between celebrating drivers and respecting the comfort of fellow fans. Yardbarker’s coverage mirrored this sentiment, stating,
“A Chase Elliott fan created a 160-decibel si-reen that woke up Loudon campgrounds at night.”
– (Reported in Yardbarker)
This jarring sound, unlike anything typically heard at the track, tested the unwritten rules of campground courtesy. The moment triggered not only headaches, but also uncertainty about how personal expressions of fandom fit into communal NASCAR spaces during high-stakes playoff weekends.
Social Media Flooded with Fan Rants, Jokes, and Security Questions
The story quickly ignited social media, where opinions diverged sharply. Reveling in the tension, some fans voiced safety anxieties. One concerned observer questioned the security procedures in place, remarking,
“How does something that looks like a pipe bomb get into the track? They will confiscate your umbrella, but he can bring in a pipe bomb-looking thing? Take that to an airport and they’re evacuating it.”
– Fan, Unattributed (Commentary on security)
The comment exposed worries, especially since NASCAR tracks like NHMS have been vigilant about prohibiting certain items for safety. The fact that bulky, siren-like devices made it into the campground led many to reflect on evolving event security standards, particularly after 9/11, drawing parallels to airport protocols for suspicious-looking objects.
Humor was also in no short supply, as many lightheartedly questioned the appropriateness of blasting a victory siren given Elliott’s qualifying position. A fan offered this critique:
“Bro, we qualified 27th. Put it up for the weekend 😂.”
– Fan, Unattributed (On timing of celebration)
This quip harked back to the tradition in Dawsonville, where the siren is specifically reserved for actual race wins, a policy established during Bill Elliott’s era that became standard for Chase as well. The consensus among some was that the siren might be a bit misplaced at this stage of the competition.
Other voices alluded to the impact of the disturbance, lampooning the situation and hinting at retribution from upset campers:
“Tagging him so all the upset people that were woken up can have their revenge? 😆”
– Fan, Unattributed (On potential fallout)
Questions about how frequently Elliott’s fans even get to celebrate surfaced in the mix, with one onlooker pointing out:
“Well, he sure don’t get to play it much from victory 🤣.”
– Fan, Unattributed (Reflecting on season victories)
This comment referenced the fact that in 2025, the siren tradition was only activated once, following Elliott’s win at Atlanta, suggesting the boisterous display in Loudon was especially rare.
Finally, the discussion turned to ongoing rivalries, as another fan insisted:
“Chase Elliott fans not be the most annoying fan base in the NASCAR challenge (impossible).”
– Fan, Unattributed (On fan base reputation)
The remark underscored the perception among some NASCAR enthusiasts that Elliott’s admirers, energized by his 2020 championship run and consistently large following, can at times overshadow the broader community dynamic. These divides have simmered for years, particularly as the number of his career wins and prominence in the sport continued to grow.
The Broader Impact: Fandom, Tradition, and Community Boundaries
The controversy around the Chase Elliott siren highlights a perennial challenge in sports: how deeply-held traditions from a driver’s hometown can conflict with the expectations and comfort of a national fan base when brought to new venues. While Dawsonville celebrates every Elliott victory with pride, exporting that enthusiasm—especially at volumes exceeding safety standards—can trigger tensions, especially at packed playoff events where rest is essential for many.
This episode spotlights the intense devotion among Chase Elliott’s supporters, reflecting the power of NASCAR’s fan-driven culture but also signaling the need for balance between personal tribute and communal respect. As the debate continues online and in campgrounds across the country, the NASCAR community, drivers, and event organizers face lingering questions about how best to preserve unique rituals while managing the shared experience that unites the sport’s diverse audience.
This Chase Elliott fan brought his own si-reen. Says it’s 160 decibels and woke up the campgrounds with it last night. @cdownsy5 pic.twitter.com/dggWAcv4Nq
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) September 21, 2025
