The Chase Elliott family loss has touched the heart of the NASCAR community, as Sheila Gwendolyn Elliott, 74, passed away peacefully at her home in Dawsonville, Georgia, on October 7, 2025. Remembered for her warmth, enduring support, and significant presence in both family and NASCAR circles, Sheila leaves behind a powerful legacy marked by dedication, generosity, and resilience.
A Life Centered Around Family and Community Service
Sheila Gwendolyn Elliott was born on August 22, 1951, to Herbert and Bobbie Goswick and spent her life as a Dawson County resident. Throughout her 55-year marriage to Earnie Elliott, Sheila worked closely alongside her husband, helping build and sustain Ernie Elliott, Inc., one of NASCAR’s most respected engine-building businesses. As co-owner and Chief Financial Officer, she was instrumental in the company’s growth, handling critical operations and supporting the business from behind the scenes.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sheila is remembered for her boundless kindness and community involvement. After the loss of her son, Casey Elliott, in 1996 following his battle with synovial sarcoma at age 21, Sheila and the Elliott family became presenting sponsors of Dawson County’s Relay for Life event. Their commitment extended over a decade, with Sheila taking an active role in organizing and participating in the event to raise awareness and support for cancer research. This lasting dedication reflected her passion for giving back and honoring her son’s memory in ways that touched countless lives.
Personal Challenges and Enduring Relationships
Despite her commitment to family and philanthropy, Sheila’s life included moments of adversity. In 2015, Sheila faced scrutiny when she was arrested after an alleged incident at Ernie’s shop. The case involved an accusation that she attempted to run over her husband with her vehicle. Nevertheless, Sheila continued supporting the family business and remained a central figure in the lives of her loved ones.
The family she leaves behind includes her husband Earnie Elliott; daughters Julie Hamby, married to Matthew of Wilson, Wyoming, and Nicki Elliott, partnered with Brad Davis of Dawsonville; sister Linda G. Townley of Dawsonville; and cherished grandchildren: Chris and Brianna Hamby, Emma Hamby, Devin Knight, Elizabeth Knight, and Sarah Knight, along with numerous relatives and close friends.
Sheila’s funeral services are scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2025, at Sawnee View Gardens, with visitation on Thursday at Bearden Funeral Home. In honor of her giving spirit, the family requests that donations be made to the Chase Elliott Foundation.
Sad News – Sheila Elliott https://t.co/MRyGNhC3QN
— Jayski (@jayski) October 9, 2025
Ernie Elliott Inc.: An Enduring NASCAR Legacy
Ernie Elliott Inc., established in Dawsonville, Georgia, by the acclaimed engine builder Ernie Elliott, stands as a milestone in NASCAR’s engine-building history. Since its formation in the early 1980s, the company has been recognized for producing high-performance race engines integral to the success of teams across the NASCAR series. A remarkable chapter unfolded in 1985 when Ernie Elliott’s expertise helped his brother Bill Elliott clinch 11 victories and set a NASCAR qualifying record at Talladega Superspeedway, propelling the company’s reputation for engineering and reliability.
Over the years, Ernie Elliott Inc. adapted to the growing demands of motorsport, modernizing with advanced CNC machine shops and in-house manufacturing capabilities. By 2014, it supplied engines for all of NASCAR’s premier divisions and participated in the ARCA Racing Series. Its state-of-the-art facility included multiple dyno cells for engine and chassis testing, confirming its relentless commitment to quality and innovation.
Honors followed, with Ernie Elliott earning recognition as Engine Builder of the Year in 1985 and being named Engine Builder of the Decade for the 1980s. These accolades highlight his singular influence on NASCAR, as well as the widespread esteem in which his peers and competitors held him.
In a significant transition for the region, MTI Racing acquired the 35,000-square-foot Ernie Elliott Inc. facility in 2020, ensuring that the organization’s standards and expertise continue to shape the world of high-performance engine development in Dawsonville.
The Lasting Impact on NASCAR and Beyond
The passing of Sheila Gwendolyn Elliott marks the close of an era for the Elliott family and the wider NASCAR community. Her unwavering support, both for her family and for charitable causes such as Relay for Life and the Chase Elliott Foundation, reinforced values of compassion, hard work, and excellence that continue to inspire those around her.
As the legacy of Ernie Elliott Inc. lives on through innovation in engine development and victories on the racetrack, Sheila’s influence endures in the lives of her descendants, including grandchildren like Devin Knight, Emma Hamby, Sarah Knight, Elizabeth Knight, Brianna Hamby, and Chris Hamby, and among her extended family and community. Her profound imprint ensures that the story of the Chase Elliott family loss stands not just as a moment of sorrow, but as a testament to resilience, unity, and lasting impact in the world of motorsports and beyond.
Sad News – Sheila Elliott https://t.co/MRyGNhC3QN
— Jayski (@jayski) October 9, 2025
