Bill Elliott

William Clyde Elliott Sr., known as Bill Elliott, is an American former professional stock car racing driver celebrated for his remarkable achievements and influence in NASCAR. Nicknamed “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville” and “Million Dollar Bill,” Elliott is one of the sport’s most accomplished drivers, best known for winning the 1988 NASCAR Winston Cup Championship and his numerous victories in premier NASCAR events.

Early Life and Background

Bill Elliott was born on October 8, 1955, in Dawsonville, Georgia, a community rich in stock car racing and moonshine-running history. Raised in a racing family, Elliott’s father George, and brothers Ernie (crew chief) and Dan (transmission builder) guided his early career. Elliott began racing at local tracks such as Dixie Speedway in Woodstock, Georgia, in 1974, where he quickly earned victories and established himself as a promising talent. His upbringing in a racing-centered family and environment provided crucial support for his development as a driver.

Career

Elliott made his NASCAR Winston Cup Series debut in 1976 with his family team. Despite early struggles due to limited funding, a partnership with car owner Harry Melling in the early 1980s elevated his career. Elliott won his first premier series race at Riverside, California, in 1983 and soon became a dominant force. His 1985 season was historic, as he won the first-ever Winston Million by capturing three major NASCAR events: the Daytona 500, Winston 500, and Southern 500. This feat earned him the “Million Dollar Bill” nickname.

In 1988, Elliott captured the NASCAR Winston Cup Championship with six wins, 15 top-five finishes, and 22 top-10s across 29 races. He won a total of 44 NASCAR Cup races in his career, including two Daytona 500 victories (1985, 1987), three Southern 500 wins, and the prestigious Brickyard 400 in 2002. Elliott is known for holding the fastest qualifying speeds at Talladega (212.809 mph, 1987) and Daytona. He holds NASCAR records for consecutive poles at Talladega and a modern-era single-season record of superspeedway wins.

He later drove for Junior Johnson and then started his own team, Bill Elliott Racing, before a career resurgence with Evernham Motorsports from 2000 to 2005. Elliott retired from full-time driving but made occasional starts in the Camping World Superstar Racing Experience and other events. His career earned him induction into multiple halls of fame including the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015.

Off-Track Ventures

Elliott has been involved in several business ventures, including car dealerships in Georgia. He is also active in charity work and frequently participates in public events related to motorsports. His popularity endures through media appearances and honorary recognitions such as Bill Elliott Day in Georgia and the naming of the Elliott Family Parkway.

Net Worth

Bill Elliott’s estimated net worth is $40 million.

Family Life

Bill Elliott was born to Erving “George” Elliott Jr. and Mildred Reece. He has two older brothers, Ernie and Dan. Elliott was previously married and divorced in 1990. He is now married to Cindy Elliott, with whom he has a son, Chase Elliott, a successful NASCAR driver. Bill also has two daughters, Starr and Brittany, from his first marriage.

Recent Controversies

There are no widely reported recent controversies involving Bill Elliott.

Key Highlights from Season 2024 and 2025

• 2024: Elliott participated in limited events through the Superstar Racing Experience series and made appearances at various NASCAR retrospectives and special races celebrating NASCAR’s history.
• 1 August 2025: Elliott remains an active ambassador for NASCAR heritage, attending events and supporting his son Chase Elliott’s racing career, while occasionally taking part in special racing exhibitions.