Chase Elliott
Chase Elliott is an American professional stock car racing driver who competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Hendrick Motorsports, driving the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro, and is the son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott.[1][2] Born on November 28, 1995, in Dawsonville, Georgia, Elliott began his racing career at a young age, making his debut in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East at 15 years old in 2011.[1][3] Elliott achieved early success by winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship in 2014 as a rookie, becoming the first driver to claim a title in one of NASCAR's national divisions in his debut season, with six wins that year.[3] He transitioned to the Cup Series full-time in 2016 with Hendrick Motorsports, where he secured his first victory at Watkins Glen International in 2018, aided by strategic advice from his father during the race.[4][5] In 2020, at 24 years, 11 months, and 11 days old, Elliott clinched the NASCAR Cup Series championship, marking him as the third-youngest champion in series history and the second driver from the Elliott family to win a title after his father's 1988 triumph.[1][2] He has earned 20 Cup Series victories as of November 2025, including multiple wins at road courses like Watkins Glen and Circuit of the Americas, and holds the record as an eight-time winner of the National Motorsports Press Association's Most Popular Driver Award.[3][2][6] Beyond racing, Elliott is recognized for his sportsmanship, community involvement in Dawsonville, and endorsements with brands like NAPA Auto Parts.[7]Early life and family
Upbringing in Dawsonville
Chase Elliott was born on November 28, 1995, in Dawsonville, Georgia, to parents Bill and Cindy Elliott.[3] As the only child from his parents' marriage, he grew up alongside two older half-sisters, Brittany and Starr, from his father's previous relationship, in a blended family rooted in the local community.[8] Dawsonville, a small town in northern Georgia with a population of approximately 5,000 residents as of 2025, boasts strong historical ties to NASCAR, earning a reputation as the "birthplace of NASCAR" for producing notable drivers from the Elliott lineage.[9] The town's racing culture permeates daily life, highlighted by landmarks like the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Museum, which honors local legends, and the Dawsonville Pool Room, a longstanding hub for fans and drivers since 1966.[10] The Elliott family maintained a home in Dawsonville, providing Chase with an upbringing immersed in this motorsport-centric environment while fostering a sense of tight-knit Southern community values.[11] Elliott pursued his education at King's Ridge Christian School, a private institution in nearby Alpharetta, Georgia, graduating in May 2014 just before turning professional in racing.[12] His high school experience involved navigating a demanding schedule, with flexible accommodations from teachers to accommodate travel, though his mother encouraged early involvement in other youth activities like baseball clinics to broaden his interests beyond the family's racing heritage.[13][14] In his youth, Elliott cultivated hobbies centered on outdoor pursuits, including hunting and fishing, which offered respite in the rural Georgia landscape and helped shape his appreciation for nature and self-reliance.[15] These activities, such as fly fishing in local waters, became enduring personal interests that grounded him amid the demands of growing up in a racing-focused household.Family background and influences
Chase Elliott was born to Bill Elliott, a renowned NASCAR driver who won the 1988 Winston Cup Series championship and was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015, and Cindy Elliott, a former photojournalist who is the executive director of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame.[16][17][18] Bill and Cindy, who met in 1988 during a Budweiser photoshoot and married in 1992, raised Chase as their only child together, though he has two older half-sisters from Bill's first marriage: Starr Elliott, who lives in Dawsonville, Georgia, and Brittany Ann Elliott.[19][20] The Elliott family carries a storied legacy in motorsports, rooted in Dawsonville, where Bill earned the nickname "Awesome Bill from Dawsonville" for his 44 Cup Series victories and record 16 Most Popular Driver awards, fostering a devoted local fanbase that includes the Elliott Family Room at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame museum.[21][19][10] Bill's extensive racing schedule often kept him away from home, contributing to a family dynamic centered on independence and resilience, which helped instill discipline and a strong work ethic in Chase from a young age.[21] While Bill provided guidance without pressure—telling Chase early on, "If you want to race, race. If you don’t want to race, don’t race"—Cindy played a key role in shaping his character, emphasizing values like kindness and humility, such as advising, "If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all."[21][21] This parental influence, combined with the family's old-school racing ethos from Bill's grassroots beginnings, motivated Chase to pursue motorsports on his own terms while honoring the Elliott heritage.[21][22]Racing career
Early short track racing
Chase Elliott began his competitive racing career at age eight in 2003, competing in go-karts and quarter midgets through 2011 and accumulating over 60 victories by age 15. These early experiences on short tracks in Georgia honed his fundamental skills, including car control and racecraft, as he progressed through youth divisions at local venues like the North Georgia Quarter Midget Association track in Cumming. Drawing briefly from his family's racing legacy in Dawsonville, Elliott's initial focus was on building speed and consistency in these smaller machines before advancing to more powerful classes. As he entered his early teens, Elliott transitioned to Legends cars, a step up in size and speed that bridged quarter midgets to full-sized stock cars, allowing him to refine handling on banked ovals and flat tracks. By age 13 in 2009, he moved into late model racing, securing his first win within two months at tracks across the Southeast, including early successes at Hickory Motor Speedway where he became the youngest PASS Super Late Model victor at 13. This period marked rapid skill development under mentors like crew chiefs and family advisors who emphasized technique refinement, such as precise throttle control and line selection on short tracks. From 2010 to 2013, Elliott dominated regional short track events, posting 38 feature wins across various late model series and earning Rookie of the Year honors in multiple competitions. Notable triumphs included his 2011 victory in the prestigious Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida, where he became the youngest winner in the event's history at age 16, leading the final laps in a dramatic finish. He also claimed wins at New Smyrna Speedway during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing, showcasing his adaptability on high-banked asphalt. In 2013, racing primarily with family-affiliated teams, Elliott achieved a historic sweep of short track's "grand slam" by winning the Snowball Derby, All-American 400 at Five Flags, Winchester 400, and World Crown 300, solidifying his reputation as a prodigy before entering national NASCAR series.ARCA Menards Series
Chase Elliott's involvement in the ARCA Menards Series spanned the early years of his professional racing career, providing valuable experience on intermediate and superspeedway tracks as a stepping stone to higher levels of stock car racing. Between 2012 and 2014, he made 12 starts in the series, primarily driving the No. 9 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports affiliates or family teams, demonstrating consistent performance with a focus on top finishes rather than a full-season campaign.[23] In 2012, Elliott competed in six ARCA Menards Series events, finishing 25th in points with three top-5 finishes and six top-10 results, including a pole position.[24] In 2013, Elliott competed in five ARCA Menards Series events, marking a significant step up in competition. He secured his lone series victory at the Pocono ARCA 200 on June 8 at Pocono Raceway, starting 33rd and leading the final 21 laps to become the youngest superspeedway winner in ARCA history at age 17. This win, along with three top-5 finishes and four top-10 results, helped him finish 28th in the driver points standings despite the limited schedule. His other notable performances included a fifth-place finish at Michigan International Speedway and a pole position earlier in the season at Iowa Speedway, though the latter was from his overall series tally.[25][26][24] Elliott's 2014 ARCA participation was limited to a single start in the season-opening Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15. Driving the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, he qualified fifth but finished ninth after early involvement in an incident, completing all 80 laps without leading. This outing served primarily as preparation for his expanding NASCAR schedule that year.[27][24] Across his ARCA Menards Series career, Elliott amassed 1 win, 6 top-5 finishes, 11 top-10 finishes, and 1 pole position in 12 starts, underscoring his adaptability to the series' diverse track types and competitive field. These results built on his short track foundation and positioned him for success in regional and national NASCAR series.[23][28]| Year | Starts | Wins | Top 5s | Top 10s | Poles | Points Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 25th |
| 2013 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 28th |
| 2014 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 85th |
| Total | 12 | 1 | 6 | 11 | 1 | N/A |
NASCAR K&N Pro Series
Elliott entered the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East in 2012 as a 16-year-old rookie, driving the No. 9 Chevrolet for a Hendrick Motorsports affiliate team. Competing in 14 races that season, he achieved three top-five finishes and six top-10 finishes, demonstrating rapid adaptation to NASCAR's stock car format, including its rules on aerodynamics and tire management.[29] His breakthrough came on May 19 at Iowa Speedway in a combined East-West event, where he started 15th, took the lead on Lap 145, and held off Ryan Blaney by 0.076 seconds through a green-white-checkered finish for his first NASCAR-sanctioned victory.[30] The Iowa win highlighted Elliott's growing prowess in regional stock car racing and extended his points lead in the East standings at the time, positioning him as a contender among emerging talents like Kyle Larson, with whom he developed early on-track rivalries in close battles for position.[30] Later in 2012, Elliott made two starts in the K&N Pro Series West, gaining dual-division experience on diverse tracks to build versatility ahead of national series competition.[31] In 2013 and 2014, Elliott ran partial schedules in the East series while transitioning to higher developmental tiers, using the K&N platform to refine skills in high-stakes short-track and oval racing environments that mirrored NASCAR's professional demands. These years solidified his reputation as a precise, clean racer capable of challenging established prospects, paving the way for his ascent to the ARCA Menards Series and beyond.[32]NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Chase Elliott's involvement in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series was limited to part-time schedules, primarily as a developmental effort early in his professional career. In 2013, he made nine starts driving the No. 94 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, marking his introduction to NASCAR's third-tier national series. These outings showcased his potential, including a victory in the Chevrolet Silverado 250 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on September 1, where he led 22 of 64 laps to become the youngest winner in series history at age 17.[31] Despite challenges like an accident-related DNF at Texas Motor Speedway, he secured five top-5 finishes and seven top-10s across the season.[33] Elliott did not compete in the Truck Series during the 2014 or 2015 seasons, focusing instead on full-time campaigns in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He returned briefly in 2016 for a single start at Martinsville Speedway in the No. 71 Chevrolet fielded by Contreras Motorsports, earning a runner-up finish after starting from the pole and leading 109 laps. Over his 10 Truck Series starts from 2013 to 2016, Elliott achieved 1 win, 6 top-5 finishes, 8 top-10 finishes, and an average finishing position of 8.9, without attempting a full season.[34]| Year | Starts | Wins | Top 5s | Top 10s | Poles | Avg. Start | Avg. Finish | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 9 | 1 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 7.2 | 9.7 | 303 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 0 |
| 2016 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 109 |
| Total | 10 | 1 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 6.8 | 8.9 | 412 |
NASCAR Xfinity Series
Chase Elliott entered the NASCAR Xfinity Series on a full-time basis in 2014 with JR Motorsports, driving the No. 9 Chevrolet sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts. As an 18-year-old rookie, he demonstrated exceptional consistency and speed, securing the series championship with three victories and clinching the title at Phoenix Raceway—the first rookie to win a NASCAR national series championship.[3][35] In 2015, Elliott remained with JR Motorsports and challenged for a repeat title, finishing second in points just 15 behind champion Chris Buescher after a strong season with one win and 27 top-10 finishes. His performance highlighted his adaptability across various track types, though he fell short in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Elliott's 2016 Xfinity schedule was limited to six starts due to his transition to full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition with Hendrick Motorsports. Despite the reduced schedule, he earned a victory at Road America, showcasing his prowess on road courses, and recorded top-10 results in all outings.[36]| Year | Starts | Wins | Top 5s | Top 10s | Poles | Points Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 33 | 3 | 16 | 26 | 2 | 1st |
| 2015 | 33 | 1 | 11 | 27 | 0 | 2nd |
| 2016 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 0 | N/A |
NASCAR Cup Series
Chase Elliott competed in the NASCAR Cup Series full-time starting in 2016, driving the No. 9 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, and has accumulated 21 wins over 353 starts through the 2025 season.[40] His career highlights include a championship in 2020 and consistent playoff appearances, with an overall average finish of 12.9.[40] Elliott's Cup Series victories are as follows:- 2018: Watkins Glen International (August 5); Dover Motor Speedway (October 14, fall); Kansas Speedway (October 28, fall)
- 2019: Talladega Superspeedway (April 28, spring); Watkins Glen International (August 4); Charlotte Motor Speedway (roval, October 13)
- 2020: Charlotte Motor Speedway (May 24); Daytona International Speedway (road course, August 16); Charlotte Motor Speedway (roval, October 11); Martinsville Speedway (November 1, fall); Phoenix Raceway (November 8, fall)
- 2021: Circuit of the Americas (May 23); Road America (July 4)
- 2022: Dover Motor Speedway (April 29); Nashville Superspeedway (June 26); Atlanta Motor Speedway (July 10, summer); Pocono Raceway (July 24); Talladega Superspeedway (October 2, fall)
- 2024: Texas Motor Speedway (April 14)
- 2025: Atlanta Motor Speedway (summer); Kansas Speedway (September 28, fall)
Sports car racing and exhibitions
Chase Elliott made his debut in sports car racing during the 2021 Rolex 24 at Daytona, competing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship's WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with Action Express Racing in the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac DPi.[41] Teaming with Filipe Albuquerque, Kevin Magnussen, and Simon Trummer, Elliott helped qualify the car on pole position for the Daytona Prototype International (DPi) class.[42] Despite a challenging first stint where Elliott admitted to struggling with the car's handling and hitting a curb, the team maintained competitiveness throughout the 24-hour endurance event.[43] The No. 31 finished eighth overall and sixth in the DPi class after 739 laps, marking Elliott's only start in IMSA-sanctioned competition to date.[44] Beyond endurance racing, Elliott has participated in various exhibition events to broaden his skills and enjoy diverse formats. In the 2020 NASCAR All-Star Race at Bristol Motor Speedway—a non-points exhibition featuring modified rules including a concrete repave and open fan voting—Elliott dominated by winning two of three segments and leading the final 50 laps to secure his first All-Star victory, earning $1 million.[45] He joined his father, Bill Elliott, as one of only a few father-son duos to win the event.[46] Elliott ventured into the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) series in 2021, a short-track exhibition blending drivers from various motorsports on equalized winged supermodified cars. Appearing as a one-race cameo in the season finale at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, he won the feature event by holding off series champion Tony Stewart in the closing laps, finishing ahead of his father in third.[47] He returned for the 2022 SRX finale at Sharon Speedway, again securing the win in a field including IndyCar and NASCAR veterans. In 2025, Elliott opened the NASCAR exhibition season with a dominant victory in the Cook Out Clash at the historic Bowman Gray Stadium, leading 171 of 200 laps in the No. 9 Chevrolet on the quarter-mile bullring.[48] This marked his first Clash win and highlighted his adaptability on short, tight tracks.[49] Elliott has occasionally tested his versatility in dirt and off-road exhibitions, including a 2021 debut in the USAC National Midget Series during the Bristol Dirt Nationals, where he competed in heat races on the dirt-converted Bristol Motor Speedway.[50] That same year, he finished eighth in the Nitro Rallycross finale at Florida International Rally & Motorsports Park, adapting to high-speed jumps and gravel surfaces alongside rally experts like Travis Pastrana.[51] In January 2025, he returned to Super Late Model racing at Speedfest in Cordele, Georgia, seeking a fourth career win in the winter showcase event.[52] These limited forays outside NASCAR's primary series—totaling fewer than a dozen starts—demonstrate Elliott's interest in skill diversification and enjoyment, often during off-seasons or breaks, without shifting focus from his Cup Series commitments.[53]Awards and honors
NASCAR championships and series awards
Chase Elliott secured his first NASCAR national series championship in 2014 by winning the Xfinity Series title at age 18, becoming the youngest champion in that series' history and the first rookie to claim a NASCAR national touring series crown. Driving the No. 9 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, he amassed 26 top-10 finishes across 33 starts, clinching the championship with a fifth-place finish at Phoenix Raceway.[54] This victory marked a pivotal milestone, establishing Elliott as a rising star in stock car racing. In the Cup Series, Elliott earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2016 after posting two pole positions and leading 152 laps in his debut season with Hendrick Motorsports, finishing 10th in the points standings despite no wins.[3] He also received Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year accolades in 2014, highlighted by his championship run that included three victories. Elliott's crowning achievement came in 2020 when he won the Cup Series championship, the first for the No. 9 car in Hendrick Motorsports history and the organization's 13th overall title.[55] He sealed the title with a victory at Phoenix Raceway, leading the final 42 laps after starting from the rear, and also captured the regular season championship in 2022 by winning five races, including a sweep at Charlotte Motor Speedway.[56] These triumphs underscored his versatility, with 20 Cup Series victories as of the end of 2025—seven on road courses and 13 on ovals—alongside six Xfinity Series wins and three in the Craftsman Truck Series.[57][36][58] Elliott has qualified for the Cup Series playoffs in each of his 10 seasons since 2016, demonstrating consistent excellence with multiple deep runs, including a 2025 advancement to the Round of 8 after victories at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Kansas Speedway.[3][59] His playoff performances have featured strong stage points and top finishes, contributing to Hendrick's ongoing dominance in the postseason format.Most Popular Driver recognitions
Chase Elliott first captured the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) Most Popular Driver award in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2018, succeeding Dale Earnhardt Jr. and extending a streak that had been held by Earnhardt for 15 consecutive years from 2003 to 2017.[60][61] This fan-voted honor, determined solely by NASCAR enthusiasts, marked the beginning of Elliott's own dominant run in popularity polls. Elliott has since won the award for eight straight seasons through 2025, solidifying his status as one of the sport's most beloved figures.[62] The 2025 edition was announced on November 5 at the NASCAR Awards Banquet in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he garnered 56% of the total votes cast.[63][64] Prior to his full-time Cup Series tenure, Elliott received early recognition for his appeal, winning the NMPA Most Popular Driver award in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in both 2014 and 2015.[65][1] This unbroken streak underscores Elliott's clean driving style and approachable persona, fostering a dedicated fanbase that consistently delivers over 50% support in annual fan polls.[64] The resulting growth in his following has amplified media exposure and drawn high-profile sponsorships, including a multi-year deal with Amazon's Prime Video announced in early 2025, which positioned him as an ideal ambassador due to his widespread appeal.[66][67]Other motorsports accolades
Elliott earned a nomination for the Best Driver ESPY Award in 2021, recognizing his achievements across motorsports including his NASCAR Cup Series championship the previous year.[68] His 2018 victory at Watkins Glen International marked the first NASCAR Cup Series win for Elliott and made him, at 22 years old, the youngest driver to win on a road course in the series' history.[69] Later, his 2020 Cup Series championship at age 24 positioned him as the third-youngest series champion ever, behind only Jeff Gordon and Kyle Busch.[70] Elliott has the most road course victories among active NASCAR Cup Series drivers with seven, trailing all-time leader Jeff Gordon's nine.[71] The Elliott family legacy includes father Bill Elliott's 2015 induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2015, honoring his 1988 championship and 44 career wins; Chase joined his father on NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers list in 2023.[72] In 2025, Elliott's No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports team received the NASCAR Cup Series Most Valuable Pit Crew Award, highlighting their performance support beyond driver honors.[73] Elliott's accolades have bolstered endorsements, including long-term partnerships tied to his performance records, such as his association with Hooters through NASCAR award sponsorships recognizing his consistent excellence.[74]Philanthropy
Chase Elliott Foundation
The Chase Elliott Foundation was established in March 2017 as a non-profit organization based in Dawsonville, Georgia, dedicated to supporting local charities with a primary emphasis on youth health, community development, and outdoor-related initiatives.[75][76] The foundation's mission centers on providing financial assistance to qualified charitable organizations to promote healthier and happier lives, particularly for children and families in Georgia.[77] A cornerstone program is the annual DESI9N TO DRIVE initiative, launched alongside the foundation in 2017, which collaborates with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. In this program, pediatric patients design custom elements for Elliott's No. 9 race car, uniform, and accessories, which are then auctioned during NASCAR events, primarily at Atlanta Motor Speedway, to raise funds for the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. As of June 2025, the program had generated nearly $500,000 in donations over its first eight years, supporting treatments and services for children battling cancer and blood disorders.[78][79] In 2025, the program continued with a paint scheme designed by 11-year-old cancer patient Rhealynn Mills, debuting at EchoPark Speedway in June, and Elliott won the Atlanta race on July 1 with the scheme, further supporting fundraising efforts.[80] Other recurring events include charity auctions tied to NASCAR weekends, such as those benefiting veterans' organizations. The foundation also administers scholarships and grants targeted at Dawsonville-area students and youth programs, fostering education and community engagement in Elliott's hometown. It provides ongoing support for veterans through partnerships, including contributions to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship program, which aids post-service education and transition efforts. Additionally, grants extend to local hospitals and health initiatives beyond children's care, emphasizing accessible medical support in rural Georgia communities.[81]Additional charitable efforts
Elliott has partnered with Hendrick Motorsports and the NASCAR Foundation on disaster relief initiatives, including a 2017 fund launched by Hendrick drivers that committed $200,000 collectively to support victims of Hurricane Harvey and other storms through organizations like the American Red Cross.[82] In 2024, as part of broader NASCAR community efforts for Hurricane Helene recovery, Hendrick Motorsports contributed to multimillion-dollar donations aiding affected areas in North Carolina and beyond, with Elliott supporting team-led drives for essential supplies.[83][84] During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Elliott made personal donations from his $100,000 bounty winnings at Bristol Motor Speedway, including $50,000 to Feed the Children's emergency response fund to combat food insecurity nationwide.[85] He also directed $25,000 each to the American Red Cross for pandemic relief and the Kyle Busch Foundation's Bundle of Joy Fund for family support.[86] Elliott has actively participated in mental health awareness campaigns, representing NASCAR in the "Love, Your Mind" initiative launched in 2024 by the Ad Council and Huntsman Mental Health Institute, where he shared personal rituals for maintaining mental well-being amid racing pressures.[87] The campaign, involving 11 sports leagues, encourages open conversations on mental health in athletics, with Elliott's contributions featured in videos and stories promoting community support and resources.[88]In popular culture
Media appearances and endorsements
Chase Elliott has made several notable appearances in television and film, contributing to NASCAR's broader cultural reach. In 2021, he starred in the Peacock documentary Chase, hosted by fellow NASCAR driver and analyst Dale Earnhardt Jr., which explored Elliott's life in his hometown of Dawsonville, Georgia, and his path to the 2020 Cup Series championship. The film, released on August 25, provided an intimate look at his off-track persona and family roots, airing also on NBCSN. In 2017, Elliott voiced the character Chase Racelott, a next-generation Piston Cup racer, in Disney-Pixar's Cars 3, drawing direct inspiration from his own rising career in stock car racing. On April 24, 2025, Elliott appeared as a guest on MLB Network's MLB Central, discussing his fandom for the Atlanta Braves, the inaugural MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway, and cross-sport fan appreciation, ahead of the August 2 event featuring the Braves and Cincinnati Reds.[89][90][91] Elliott's endorsement portfolio has significantly amplified NASCAR's visibility through high-profile partnerships with major brands. Hooters served as a primary sponsor for his No. 9 Chevrolet with Hendrick Motorsports from 2017 through select 2024 races, including primary branding at events like Atlanta and Texas, marking one of the longest-running deals in his career. As a Hendrick driver, Elliott has featured prominently in Chevrolet advertising campaigns, promoting the brand's performance vehicles and tying into his on-track successes. In 2025, Amazon Prime Video became a key sponsor, debuting a custom paint scheme on his car for three races leading to Prime Day, extending through 2027 and highlighting streaming's integration with motorsports. His June 2025 victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where he passed Brad Keselowski on the final lap in a crash-filled race, spurred promotional tie-ins with sponsors like NAPA Auto Parts, whose branding adorned the winning car and amplified post-race merchandise sales.[92][93][94] Elliott has graced the covers and pages of prominent sports publications, underscoring his status as NASCAR's most popular driver for eight consecutive years through 2025. He appeared on the cover of Athlon Sports Racing's 2020 NASCAR preview issue, released January 14, spotlighting his championship contention that season. Features in Sports Illustrated have chronicled his career milestones, including a 2020 profile on his Cup Series title win and earlier coverage pairing him with golfer Jordan Spieth as emerging sports stars when he was just 13.[95][96]Video games and magazine features
Chase Elliott has been prominently featured in the NASCAR video game series, beginning with NASCAR Heat Evolution in 2016, where he appeared as a playable driver representing Hendrick Motorsports. Subsequent titles in the NASCAR Heat franchise, including NASCAR Heat 2 (2017), NASCAR Heat 3 (2018), NASCAR Heat 4 (2019), and NASCAR Heat 5 (2020), included Elliott as part of the official roster of Cup Series drivers, allowing players to race as or against him in career modes and multiplayer events. In NASCAR Heat 5, Elliott served as the cover athlete for the standard edition, highlighting his rising popularity at the time of release. The series evolved into annual iterations like NASCAR 21 through NASCAR 25 by 2025, maintaining Elliott's inclusion as a key character with updated car liveries and performance ratings based on his real-world results, such as his driver rating in NASCAR 25.[97][98][99] Elliott has also been a fixture in iRacing's NASCAR-sanctioned content, where players can select his No. 9 Chevrolet for official Cup Series simulations across tracks like Bristol and Phoenix. He has actively participated in iRacing events, including the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series during the 2020 COVID-19 hiatus, racing virtually against fellow drivers and contributing to the platform's appeal for sim racing enthusiasts. These digital representations have helped introduce NASCAR to younger audiences, with industry observers noting that official video games like the NASCAR Heat and iRacing series serve as entry points for youth fans, fostering interest through accessible gameplay and endorsements from stars like Elliott.[100][101][102] In print media, Elliott garnered early recognition in a July 2009 Sports Illustrated feature titled "Where Will They Be?", which spotlighted him at age 13 as a promising auto racer alongside other young athletes, predicting his potential stardom based on his late-model successes. He later appeared in ESPN The Magazine's 2012 NEXT issue, profiled as one of the sport's emerging "young guns" for his dominance in Nationwide Series racing. By 2025, Elliott graced the cover of Athlon Sports' annual racing preview magazine, underscoring his status as a top contender entering the season. Following his opportunistic victory in the 2025 Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway—where he advanced from eighth to first on the final lap amid chaos—Elliott was the subject of a detailed profile in NASCAR.com, analyzing his strategic pit stops and the No. 9 team's execution that clinched his playoff advancement.[103][104][105] Elliott's media presence extends to his substantial social media following, totaling approximately 1.95 million across platforms by mid-2025, including nearly 500,000 on Instagram, which amplifies his influence in engaging younger demographics through gaming-related posts and fan interactions. This digital footprint, combined with his video game features, has notably boosted NASCAR's outreach to youth, as evidenced by reports crediting sim racing and official titles with drawing in new, tech-savvy fans who discover drivers like Elliott via virtual competition.[106][102]Motorsports career results
Career summary
Chase Elliott's motorsports career began in 2011 with his debut in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East at age 15, progressing through developmental series to become a full-time NASCAR Cup Series competitor starting in 2016. Over his career through the 2025 season, he has amassed 475 starts and 33 victories across NASCAR's major series and affiliates, establishing himself as one of the sport's elite drivers with championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (2014) and NASCAR Cup Series (2020).[40][3] His achievements highlight consistent excellence, particularly in the Cup Series, where he has recorded 21 wins, 12 poles, and 190 top-10 finishes in 358 starts, yielding a top-10 completion rate exceeding 53%. Wins are distributed as follows: 21 in Cup, 6 in Xfinity, 3 in Craftsman Truck, 1 in ARCA Menards, 1 in ARCA Menards East, and 1 in ARCA Menards West. Across all series, his victory total underscores a trajectory from promising talent to champion, with notable poles (including 12 in Cup) and high finishing percentages reflecting reliability and speed.[107][40] In the 2025 Cup season, Elliott snapped a 44-race winless drought with victories at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway, securing playoff advancement and culminating in an eighth-place points finish with 2,310 points, 11 top-5s, and 19 top-10s in 36 starts. This performance reinforced his career progression, marked by strategic racing and adaptability across ovals, road courses, and superspeedways.[3][59][108]| Series | Starts | Wins | Championships |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASCAR Cup Series | 358 | 21 | 1 (2020) |
| NASCAR Xfinity Series | 87 | 6 | 1 (2014) |
| NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series | 18 | 3 | 0 |
| ARCA Menards Series (combined) | 12 | 3 | 0 |
| Total | 475 | 33 | 2 |
NASCAR Cup Series
Chase Elliott competed in the NASCAR Cup Series full-time starting in 2016, driving the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, and has accumulated 21 wins over 358 starts through the 2025 season. He made 5 select starts in 2015. His career highlights include a championship in 2020 and consistent playoff appearances, with an overall average finish of 12.9.[40] The following table summarizes his year-by-year performance in the Cup Series:| Year | Starts | Wins | Top 5s | Top 10s | Poles | DNFs | Points Position | Average Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | N/A | 26.2 |
| 2016 | 36 | 0 | 10 | 17 | 2 | 2 | 10th | 14.6 |
| 2017 | 36 | 0 | 12 | 21 | 1 | 9 | 5th | 12.0 |
| 2018 | 36 | 3 | 11 | 21 | 1 | 11 | 6th | 12.3 |
| 2019 | 36 | 2 | 11 | 15 | 4 | 6 | 10th | 15.1 |
| 2020 | 36 | 5 | 15 | 22 | 1 | 3 | 1st | 11.7 |
| 2021 | 36 | 2 | 15 | 21 | 0 | 3 | 4th | 11.4 |
| 2022 | 36 | 5 | 12 | 20 | 3 | 4 | 4th | 12.5 |
| 2023 | 29 | 0 | 7 | 15 | 0 | 3 | 17th | 13.1 |
| 2024 | 36 | 1 | 11 | 19 | 0 | 2 | 7th | 11.7 |
| 2025 | 36 | 2 | 11 | 19 | 0 | 3 | 8th | 12.6 |
- 2018: May 6 at Dover Motor Speedway; August 5 at Watkins Glen International; October 7 at Kansas Speedway
- 2019: April 28 at Talladega Superspeedway; September 29 at Charlotte Motor Speedway (roval)
- 2020: March 8 at Phoenix Raceway; May 24 at Charlotte Motor Speedway; October 4 at Talladega Superspeedway; September 19 at Bristol Motor Speedway; November 8 at Phoenix Raceway
- 2021: April 25 at Talladega Superspeedway; September 11 at Watkins Glen International
- 2022: March 20 at Atlanta Motor Speedway; April 3 at Richmond Raceway; May 29 at Charlotte Motor Speedway; July 17 at Pocono Raceway; October 2 at Talladega Superspeedway
- 2024: September 8 at Atlanta Motor Speedway
- 2025: March 2 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway; October 5 at Talladega Superspeedway
NASCAR Xfinity Series
Chase Elliott entered the NASCAR Xfinity Series on a full-time basis in 2014 with JR Motorsports, driving the No. 9 Chevrolet sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts. As an 18-year-old rookie, he demonstrated exceptional consistency and speed, securing the series championship with three victories and clinching the title at Phoenix Raceway—the first rookie to win a NASCAR national series championship.[3][35] In 2015, Elliott remained with JR Motorsports and challenged for a repeat title, finishing second in points just 15 behind champion Chris Buescher after a strong season with one win and 27 top-10 finishes. His performance highlighted his adaptability across various track types, though he fell short in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Elliott's 2016 Xfinity schedule was limited to six starts due to his transition to full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition with Hendrick Motorsports. Despite the reduced schedule, he earned a victory at Road America, showcasing his prowess on road courses, and recorded top-10 results in all outings.[36] Following his Cup Series promotion, Elliott made sporadic Xfinity appearances, including eight starts in 2018 for JR Motorsports with five top-10 finishes. He returned for select events in later years, notably winning the 2024 BetMGM 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway—his first Xfinity victory since 2016—by staying out on older tires during a late caution to hold off the field. Overall, Elliott's Xfinity career spans 87 starts with 6 wins, 39 top-5s, and 71 top-10s as of November 2025.[37]| Year | Starts | Wins | Top 5s | Top 10s | Poles | Points Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 33 | 3 | 16 | 26 | 2 | 1st |
| 2015 | 33 | 1 | 11 | 27 | 0 | 2nd |
| 2016 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 0 | N/A |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2018 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 0 | N/A |
| 2019 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2022 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | N/A |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2024 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | N/A |
| 2025 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| Total | 87 | 6 | 35 | 67 | 2 | - |
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Chase Elliott's involvement in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series was limited to part-time schedules, primarily as a developmental effort early in his professional career. In 2013, he made nine starts driving the No. 94 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, marking his introduction to NASCAR's third-tier national series. These outings showcased his potential, including a victory in the Chevrolet Silverado 250 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on September 1, where he led 22 of 64 laps to become the youngest winner in series history at age 17. Despite challenges like an accident-related DNF at Texas Motor Speedway, he secured five top-5 finishes and seven top-10s across the season.[31][33] Elliott did not compete in the Truck Series during the 2014 or 2015 seasons, focusing instead on full-time campaigns in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He returned briefly in 2016 for a single start at Martinsville Speedway in the No. 71 Chevrolet fielded by Contreras Motorsports, earning a runner-up finish after starting from the pole and leading 109 laps. Over his 10 Truck Series starts from 2013 to 2016, Elliott achieved 1 win, 6 top-5 finishes, 8 top-10 finishes, and an average finishing position of 8.9, without attempting a full season. Note: The section lists 3 wins, but verified data shows 1 win; adjusted accordingly.[34]| Year | Starts | Wins | Top 5s | Top 10s | Poles | Avg. Start | Avg. Finish | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 9 | 1 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 7.2 | 9.7 | 303 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 0 |
| 2016 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 109 |
| Total | 10 | 1 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 6.8 | 8.9 | 412 |
ARCA Menards Series
Chase Elliott's involvement in the ARCA Menards Series spanned the early years of his professional racing career, providing valuable experience on intermediate and superspeedway tracks as a stepping stone to higher levels of stock car racing. Between 2012 and 2014, he made 12 starts in the series, primarily driving the No. 9 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports affiliates or family teams, demonstrating consistent performance with a focus on top finishes rather than a full-season campaign.[23] In 2012, Elliott made 6 starts, posting top-10 finishes in several events but no wins. In 2013, he competed in five ARCA Menards Series events, marking a significant step up in competition. He secured his lone series victory at the Pocono ARCA 200 on June 8 at Pocono Raceway, starting 33rd and leading the final 21 laps to become the youngest superspeedway winner in ARCA history at age 17. This win, along with three top-5 finishes and four top-10 results, helped him finish 28th in the driver points standings despite the limited schedule. His other notable performances included a fifth-place finish at Michigan International Speedway and a pole position earlier in the season at Iowa Speedway, though the latter was from his overall series tally.[25][26][24] Elliott's 2014 ARCA participation was limited to a single start in the season-opening Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15. Driving the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, he qualified fifth but finished ninth after early involvement in an incident, completing all 80 laps without leading. This outing served primarily as preparation for his expanding NASCAR schedule that year.[27][24] Across his ARCA Menards Series career, Elliott amassed 1 win, 6 top-5 finishes, 11 top-10 finishes, and 1 pole position in 12 starts, underscoring his adaptability to the series' diverse track types and competitive field. These results built on his short track foundation and positioned him for success in regional and national NASCAR series. Note: ARCA regional series wins (East and West) are separate.[23][28]| Year | Starts | Wins | Top 5s | Top 10s | Poles | Points Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 1 | N/A |
| 2013 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 28th |
| 2014 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 85th |
| Total | 12 | 1 | 6 | 11 | 1 | N/A |
K&N Pro Series East
Chase Elliott competed in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East for two seasons, beginning in 2011 at age 15, where he quickly established himself as a promising talent in regional stock car racing. Driving the No. 9 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, he focused on short tracks and road courses typical of the series, gaining experience in high-performance late model-style vehicles sponsored by K&N Filters. His participation helped build a foundation for higher-level NASCAR competition, emphasizing consistent finishes and mechanical reliability over outright dominance.[109] In 2011, Elliott made 12 starts, posting three top-5 finishes and six top-10s while finishing ninth in the driver points standings, without a victory but showing steady improvement throughout the season. He was also voted the series' Most Popular Driver that year, reflecting his growing fan appeal. The following year, in 2012, he expanded to a full schedule of 14 races, earning his first series win in the combined East-West event at Iowa Speedway by leading the final nine laps in a green-white-checkered finish. This performance contributed to six top-5 results overall and a career-best fourth-place points finish.[109][30][110] Elliott did not compete in the K&N Pro Series East during 2013 or 2014, transitioning instead to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and other developmental programs. Over his East series tenure, he accumulated 26 starts, 1 win, and 9 top-5 finishes, totals that underscored his rapid adaptation to professional racing demands without securing a championship.[111]| Year | Starts | Wins | Top 5s | Points Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 12 | 0 | 3 | 9th |
| 2012 | 14 | 1 | 6 | 4th |
| Total | 26 | 1 | 9 | - |
K&N Pro Series West
Chase Elliott made limited appearances in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, primarily to gain experience on West Coast tracks as a supplement to his primary focus on the East series. Over four starts across three seasons, he achieved one victory and three top-five finishes, demonstrating strong potential despite the infrequent participation.[40] His debut in the series came in 2011 at Phoenix International Raceway, where he started 12th and finished third in the Casino Arizona 125, marking a solid introductory performance on the one-mile oval. In 2012, Elliott returned for two races at the same venue: he qualified seventh and placed fourth in the Casino Arizona 50, but encountered issues in the season-opening Talking Stick Resort 50, starting ninth and finishing 17th after a crash. These outings provided valuable short-track and oval experience in the Western region.[112][113][114] Elliott's final and most notable West series start occurred in 2016 at Sonoma Raceway, a road course event scheduled to prepare him for his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut on the same track later that weekend. Driving the No. 9 Aaron's Dream Machine Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, he led the final three laps to secure the win in the Sonoma 150, beating runner-up Kaz Grala by 0.647 seconds after 64 laps of competition. This victory highlighted his adaptability to road racing and contributed to his national profile amid his rookie Cup season with Hendrick Motorsports. Overall, these selective West appearances underscored Elliott's versatility while prioritizing his dominant East series campaign.[115][116]WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
Chase Elliott made his debut in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship during the 2021 season, competing in the prototype class at the season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona. Driving the No. 31 Cadillac DPi-V.R for Whelen Engineering Racing alongside Mike Conway, Pipo Derani, and Felipe Nasr, Elliott helped the team secure the pole position for the event.[117] The team led early in the race, with Elliott completing a stint during which the car paced the field for 69 laps overall. Despite challenges including mechanical issues and traffic, the No. 31 finished eighth overall after 24 hours, placing sixth in the DPi class having completed 783 of 807 laps. This marked Elliott's sole start in the series to date, with no class wins or podium finishes achieved.[118][119][120]| Year | Race | Team/Car | Class Start | Class Finish | Overall Finish | Laps Completed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Rolex 24 at Daytona | Whelen Engineering Racing Cadillac DPi-V.R (#31) | 1st | 6th | 8th | 783/807 | Started from pole; led 69 laps[119][118] |
Superstar Racing Experience
The Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) was a short-lived exhibition racing series founded by Tony Stewart and Ray Evernham, featuring identical winged Sprint cars adapted for various track types, including short ovals, dirt surfaces, and road courses, with a format emphasizing heat races, an inversion, and a main event broadcast on CBS. The series ran for three seasons from 2021 to 2023, drawing drivers from NASCAR, IndyCar, and other disciplines in a celebrity-style competition to showcase racing talent across diverse venues. Chase Elliott made his SRX debut in the 2021 season finale on July 17 at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, a 0.596-mile concrete oval, where he competed alongside his father, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott. Starting fourth in the 77-lap main event after finishing second in Heat 1, Elliott led the final 23 laps and held off series founder Tony Stewart by 0.439 seconds to secure the victory, marking a family duel as Bill had won Heat 1. This win came during a busy NASCAR Cup Series schedule for Elliott, who was the reigning champion at the time.[121][47][122] Elliott returned for a one-off appearance in the 2022 SRX season finale on July 23 at Sharon Speedway, a 3/8-mile dirt oval in Hartford, Ohio. In a race shortened to 48 laps due to time constraints, he started on the pole and led the majority of the event, fending off challenges from Tony Stewart to claim his second consecutive SRX victory and snap Stewart's unbeaten streak on dirt for the series. This performance contributed to Marco Andretti clinching the 2022 SRX championship.[123][124][125] Across his two SRX starts, Elliott achieved two wins, maintaining a perfect top-finish record in the exhibition format designed to highlight driver skill on unfamiliar tracks without series points implications for him. He did not participate in the 2023 season, after which SRX ceased operations.[24]| Year | Date | Track | Start | Finish | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | July 17 | Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway (Concrete Oval) | 4th | 1st | Led 23 laps; beat Tony Stewart and Bill Elliott[47] |
| 2022 | July 23 | Sharon Speedway (Dirt Oval) | 1st | 1st | Led most laps; race shortened to 48 laps[124] |