Chase Elliott recently broke his silence on the years-long communication gap with former NASCAR driver Carl Edwards, a topic of interest among racing fans after their unexpected joint appearance during the Michigan race weekend. Elliott revealed that despite briefly competing alongside Edwards in 2016, he had not been in contact with him since Edwards retired from the sport that same year, highlighting the surprising distance between the two drivers.
When questioned about their relationship, Elliott confirmed that there was no communication with Edwards following his departure from racing. Although they shared several races during Elliott’s rookie season, their interaction remained limited to professional encounters on the track. Only very recently, during consecutive media events, have they reconnected and begun talking regularly.
“I remember having, you know, some conversation with him, you know, throughout the course of that season.” —Chase Elliott
“Since he’s been gone, I’ve not had any communication with him or contact at all,” Chase Elliott said in an interview shared on Cup Scene’s YouTube channel.
Respect and Admiration Between Competitors Despite Silence
Despite the lack of contact over these years, Elliott spoke highly of Edwards, praising him for his professionalism and the way he managed his career. Elliott also admired Edwards’ ability to engage effectively both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Since retiring, Edwards has transitioned to broadcasting, joining Amazon’s NASCAR team. In this role, he conducts interviews with current drivers and offers insights into the day-to-day of the modern NASCAR garage.
Their recent reunion occurred during the pre-race coverage for the FireKeepers Casino 400, where host Danielle Trotta warmly introduced Elliott, referencing Edwards’ enthusiasm to meet him. Edwards responded by sharing how often there was excitement about Elliott’s participation in their segments.
“We’ve been waiting for you, and Carl is so psyched to meet you, man.” —Danielle Trotta
“In every meeting, it’s ‘Do we get Chase this week, do we get Chase?’” —Carl Edwards
Historically, Elliott and Edwards competed against each other in 41 races, beginning at the 2015 STP 500 and concluding with the 2016 Ford EcoBoost 400. In their final race together, Edwards crashed out from 10th place, while Elliott finished 11th.
Chase Elliott to Highlight a Special Cause With New Paint Scheme in Atlanta
Continuing his strong community involvement, Chase Elliott will debut a unique paint scheme at the Quaker State 400 in Atlanta on June 28. This design was created by Rhealynn Mills, an 11-year-old cancer patient, as part of the annual #Desi9ntoDrive initiative organized by the Chase Elliott Foundation.
Every year, Elliott’s home track race spotlights a child from the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta through a design competition. This year’s winning design, supported by partners NAPA and Hendrick Motorsports, is featured on Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and his racing suit by Alpinestars.
Rhealynn’s design retains Elliott’s signature blue and white colors but introduces a fresh and personal twist. Elliott will compete in this race at Echopark Speedway, known for his strong fan support, continuing the tradition of engaging fans with meaningful causes during his racing season.
The initiative not only showcases young artists but also raises funds for pediatric healthcare. NASCAR reporter Jeff Gluck highlighted the campaign’s success in his social media post, emphasizing the foundation’s significant contributions over the years.
“The annual @chaseelliott ‘Desi9n to Drive’ paint scheme has been unveiled; designed by an 11-year-old cancer patient this year. Chase runs these at Atlanta each year and his foundation has donated nearly $500k to a children’s hospital from the sweepstakes linked to this program.” —Jeff Gluck
Significance of Rekindling Communication and Giving Back
Chase Elliott and Carl Edwards’ recent reconnection marks the end of a long communication gap that began with Edwards’ retirement, signaling a renewed professional and personal rapport between the two drivers. Their on-screen chemistry and mutual respect highlight the evolving relationships within NASCAR beyond competition.
Meanwhile, Elliott’s continued dedication to philanthropy through the Desi9n to Drive program demonstrates his commitment to using his platform to impact lives positively. The program’s integration with his racing career and community partnerships reflects a deep passion for giving back while maintaining his competitive edge on the track.
As Elliott prepares for upcoming races, his efforts to blend racing excellence with charitable causes, along with his renewed connection to a former competitor like Edwards, enrich the narrative of his career and the NASCAR community as a whole.
