Chase Elliott’s clear favorite NASCAR track is Atlanta Motor Speedway, located just 75 miles south of his hometown, Dawsonville, Georgia. Growing up near the 1.54-mile oval, Elliott has a strong connection to Atlanta, where local fans celebrate every victory with a loud siren at the Dawsonville Pool Room—a tradition that started during the racing career of his father, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott.
Whenever the NASCAR Cup Series returns to Atlanta, Elliott’s enthusiasm is noticeably higher compared to other venues, including famed tracks such as Daytona International Speedway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
A Close Second: Talladega Superspeedway’s Special Place in Elliott’s Heart
Alongside Atlanta, Talladega Superspeedway holds a unique spot for Chase Elliott. The 2.66-mile tri-oval, the largest on the NASCAR circuit, is often compared to Atlanta because of its high speeds and thrilling racing style. Some fans even nickname Atlanta “Talladega on Steroids” due to its fast-paced nature.
Earlier this month, Elliott discussed his connection to Talladega during an episode of the podcast Things No One Tells You, hosted by Lindsay Czarniak, alongside country music star Eric Church. Elliott expressed affection for the track, explaining the personal significance it carries for him.
Talladega, I’ve always kind of looked at that race, Obviously, Atlanta’s my home track. But with Dad’s success at Talladega and the special things that they did throughout his career and how close it is to home, for whatever reason, fans have really kind of made it feel like a home track to me. That has made Talladega special, in my eyes.
—Chase Elliott
Talladega lies around 150 miles southwest of Dawsonville, and Elliott attributes much of his connection to the track to its proximity and his father’s legacy.
I guess it’s because it’s so close to home,
Elliott said when discussing Talladega’s place in his heart.
I don’t know if it’s just his (Bill Elliott’s) past and the wins and the speed record and all that stuff. Obviously (Talladega) has a great significance over the course of NASCAR history, or if it’s just ’cause it’s right across state lines, but nonetheless, it’s always kind of felt like a home race.
—Chase Elliott
Comparing Elliott’s Performance at Atlanta and Talladega
Chase Elliott’s track record at both Atlanta and Talladega reflects his strong affinity for these venues. At Atlanta, he has competed 14 times, earning two victories, three top-five finishes, and nine top-10 finishes. Talladega shows similar results, with 19 starts yielding two wins, six top-five finishes, and nine top-10s.
Bill Elliott, Chase’s father, also had success at Talladega with two wins and surpassed his son’s Atlanta record with five victories there during his Cup career.
Regarding what makes winning at Talladega meaningful, Chase Elliott said:
For me to be able to win over there is special for that reason, probably more than anything else, Plate racing is, it’s just one of those things that you certainly have to have some things go your way, but just that atmosphere is what makes that place special to me, and how close it is to the house.
—Chase Elliott
The Lasting Importance of These Tracks in Elliott’s Career
Both Atlanta Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway hold deep personal and professional importance for Chase Elliott, intertwining family heritage with his own achievements. The closeness to his hometown and the legacy of his father continue to motivate him at these tracks, creating a sentimental bond beyond just racing success.
This dual connection informs Elliott’s approach to upcoming races at these venues, and fans can expect his determination and passion to remain strong whenever he competes there.
