Why Everyone Talks About Him
Some athletes draw attention for their wins and dominance in the sport, while others rely on their personality to attract fans. Chase Elliott has managed to capture both! He represents something fans recognize in themselves—dedication, persistence, and a universal relatability. Want to know more about NASCAR's most popular driver? These 20 facts will lay it all out for you. Let's dive in.
Zach Catanzareti Photo on Wikimedia
1. He Was Born In Georgia
Born in the racing heartland of Dawsonville, Georgia, Elliott started modestly by washing dishes at the local Pool Room. His hometown's deep motorsports heritage proved prophetic, with the victory siren that once celebrated his predecessors now heralding his own NASCAR triumphs.
2. Racing Was Hereditary
Chase Elliott walks in the footsteps of his father, Bill Elliott, a NASCAR Hall of Famer who captured an unprecedented 16 Most Popular Driver Awards during his illustrious career. Their racing legacy shares a unique parallel, with both securing their first Cup victories on road courses.
3. He Started With Go-Kart Racing
With an astounding sixty-plus race victories by age fifteen, Chase Elliott's path to racing excellence began at just eight years old in go-karts. His progression through various racing series from 2003 to 2011 laid the foundation for fulfilling his unwavering dream: reaching NASCAR's highest level.
Claudio PlanetKart on Wikimedia
4. 2014 Xfinity Series Champion
While still attending high school classes, the racer achieved what no rookie had done before in NASCAR history, piloting the No. 9 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports to capture the 2014 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship in a groundbreaking season-long performance.
NASCAR Classic Full Race: Chase Elliott beats big names for first Xfinity Series win by NASCAR
5. Youngest NASCAR National Champ
At just eighteen years old, an age when most drivers are still honing their basic skills, Elliott shattered NASCAR's age barriers by becoming the youngest national series champion in 2014. His three victories that season emphatically proved that youth was no obstacle to racing excellence.
Chase Elliott becomes youngest champion in NASCAR national series history by NASCAR
6. NASCAR Cup Debut In 2015
When Elliott rolled onto Martinsville Speedway for his 2015 Cup Series debut, it marked the first step toward his destined full-time role. Already confirmed for the 2016 season, he bridged the gap with five points-paying races that year, which built his path to NASCAR's highest level.
Elliott has tough Sprint Cup debut by NASCAR
7. He Replaced Jeff Gordon In 2016
As Jeff Gordon's legendary tenure in the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports car drew to a close in 2015, a new chapter was already unfolding. Elliott's 2016 pole-winning Daytona 500 qualification immediately yielded historic significance, as it established him as the youngest driver ever to earn that honor.
8. First Cup Win In 2018
The 2018 race at Watkins Glen International wove together two historic NASCAR achievements, as Elliott's breakthrough first Cup Series victory simultaneously delivered Hendrick Motorsports' monumental 250th win—a moment made more memorable when teammate Jimmie Johnson pushed Elliott's fuel-empty car during the victory lap.
9. Third-Youngest Cup Champion
After years of steady progression, Chase Elliott's career trajectory soared to unprecedented heights during his breakthrough 2020 season. The young driver's masterful campaign culminated in capturing the NASCAR Cup Series championship at just 24 years, 11 months, and 11 days old. He became the third-youngest champion ever.
Zach Catanzareti Photo on Wikimedia
10. Drives The No. 9 Chevrolet
The No. 9 race number serves as a powerful link between NASCAR generations, transitioning from Bill Elliott's era to his son Chase Elliott, who switched from No. 24 to pilot the NAPA Auto Parts-sponsored Chevrolet Camaro for Hendrick Motorsports, thereby maintaining this significant numerical heritage.
11. He’s The Most Popular Driver Since 2018
When NASCAR puts its popularity contest in the hands of fans, they speak loud and clear: Chase Elliott has captured their hearts with seven straight Most Popular Driver Awards since 2018, carrying on the beloved family tradition set by his father Bill’s remarkable 16 wins.
Zach Catanzareti Photo on Wikimedia
12. He’s A Strong Road Course Racer
Elliott stands in a class of his own among NASCAR's elite road course specialists. His mastery is evidenced through multiple victories on these challenging circuits, beginning with his maiden Cup Series triumph at Watkins Glen and extending to his sought-after expertise as a substitute driver at Indianapolis.
Zach Catanzareti Photo on Wikimedia
13. He Was The 2020 All-Star Race Winner
Known as "The Last Great Colosseum," Bristol Motor Speedway added another significant chapter to its storied legacy by hosting NASCAR's elite-only 2020 All-Star Race. The non-points exhibition delivered its anticipated drama, with Chase Elliott ultimately conquering the legendary Tennessee venue's challenging confines.
2020 NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race | NASCAR ON FOX HIGHLIGHTS by NASCAR on FOX
14. He’s Won In Daytona And Talladega
From the steep banks of Talladega Superspeedway, NASCAR’s longest oval, where Chase Elliott has celebrated victory, to the storied stage of Daytona International Speedway, both tracks demand precision in pack racing. Elliott has conquered Talladega, but a points-paying Cup win at Daytona still eludes him.
Zach Catanzareti Photo on Wikimedia
15. His Fanbase Is Called “Chase Nation”
Through a sea of flags and banners at NASCAR events, the distinctive presence of Chase Nation emerges as one of the sport's most passionate fanbases. Elliott's loyal supporters transform race day atmospheres with their enthusiastic cheering and highly visible displays of dedication, both at tracks and across social platforms.
Chase Elliott Fans are Toxic! by NRF Productions
16. His Endorsement Deals
NAPA Auto Parts laid the foundation for Elliott's commercial success. His brand portfolio has strategically expanded beyond automotive to even incorporate partnerships with UniFirst and Amazon's Prime Video. An American restaurant and bar chain contributes distinctive paint schemes to his racing presence.
Zach Catanzareti Photo on Wikimedia
17. Rookie Of The Year 2016
From the start, Chase Elliott powered to ten top-five finishes during his debut Cup Series campaign. His remarkable consistency got him a coveted spot in the NASCAR Playoffs before ultimately securing the prestigious 2016 Rookie of the Year Award.
18. He Supports Different Causes
Chase Elliott’s foundation champions pediatric cancer patients through its DESI9N TO DRIVE program, where young artists from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta design his Cup Series race car and uniform. Fundraising efforts benefit the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, while Elliott’s broader philanthropic work supports healthier lives nationwide.
DESI9N TO DRIVE 2025 - A cool win for Rhealynn at Atlanta by Chase Elliott
19. Double-Digit Cup Wins
Among NASCAR's youngest drivers to amass double-digit Cup Series victories, Elliott's rapid ascension through the ranks is quantified by wins across diverse track configurations, from technical road courses to high-speed superspeedways. The celebratory wail of the Dawsonville Pool Room siren punctuated each triumph.
Zach Catanzareti Photo on Wikimedia
20. Super Late Model Success
Four prestigious victories in a single calendar year: Chase Elliott's 2013 campaign saw him conquer the All-American 400, Winchester 400, World Crown 300, and Snowball Derby on the super late model circuit. This unprecedented sweep, never achieved before, proved instrumental in launching his NASCAR career.
Chase Elliott Super Late Model Ride @ItsBristolBaby by The Chaz
