A rare photo of six-year-old Chase Elliott at Pocono Raceway in 2002 has resurfaced just before this weekend’s race at the same venue, spotlighting Chase Elliott celebrating Bill Elliott’s landmark victory. Bill Elliott secured the win during a rain-shortened 175-lap race at the Pennsylvania track, known as the Tricky Triangle, marking a significant moment in NASCAR history and family legacy.
Driving the #9 Dodge for Evernham Motorsports—a team formed after Bill Elliott sold his own team to Ray Evernham—Bill started from pole position. He fought closely with Sterling Marlin for the lead before clinching his first victory of two in the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup season. Chase, accompanied by his mother Cindy, joined his father and the #9 pit crew in victory lane, capturing a cherished family moment now shared by NASCAR Classics as the sport returns to Pocono Raceway.
“Soaking it all in,” NASCAR Classics wrote.
Bill Elliott’s Career Highlights Leading to Retirement
Following the 2002 Pocono triumph, Bill Elliott achieved his final career victory in 2003 at Rockingham Speedway before retiring from full-time racing. His storied career includes winning the 1988 Winston Cup championship, 44 race victories, and an induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015, solidifying his legacy within the sport.
Chase Elliott’s Upcoming Race at Pocono and Current Season Performance
This weekend, Chase Elliott will compete in the Great American Getaway 400 at the same Pocono Raceway, coming off a strong showing with a third-place finish at the inaugural race in Mexico City. The 160-lap event officially begins on June 22 at 2:00 p.m. ET.
As the #9 driver for Hendrick Motorsports, Chase remains in contention despite yet to win this season. Standing fourth in the points standings, he has accumulated four top-5 finishes and eight top-10s, notably without a single Did Not Finish (DNF), positioning him well for the upcoming NASCAR playoffs.
Chase Elliott Reflects on Most Popular Driver Award and Family Legacy
Last year, Chase Elliott earned his seventh Most Popular Driver award, a recognition he attributes to the strong foundation laid by his father Bill and grandfather George, the latter of whom managed a NASCAR team in the 1970s. Chase emphasizes the importance of honoring his family’s legacy through this award.
“If you do have the honor to receive the award, I think it’s just representing that the right way, and by right way I mean by the way I think they would wanted to be represented. Really for me, that’s all I care about because they laid the foundation for me to be here and to have some of the opportunities that I’ve had throughout my career,” the 2020 Cup Series champion said in an interview at the NASCAR Awards Banquet in Charlotte.
Chase also expressed sincere appreciation toward his fanbase for their unwavering support over the years.
“Certainly grateful for the fans across the board, they’ve been great to me throughout my career. I’ve had the fortunate experience of seeing all that, living all that first hand, it means a lot to me, I’ll never take it for granted,” he added.
Bill Elliott’s Record in the Most Popular Driver Award and Chase’s Rising Presence
Bill Elliott holds the record for the most Most Popular Driver awards, having won 16 times, followed closely by Dale Earnhardt Jr. with 15. Richard Petty ranks third with nine awards, while Chase Elliott and Bobby Allison are tied with seven each. Chase began his consecutive streak of wins in this category after Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s retirement from the series in 2017, continuing his family’s prominent status among NASCAR’s fan favorites.
