Chase Elliott has stepped into the NASCAR Cup Series carrying the weight of being the son of a once iconic racing figure, Bill Elliott. His father’s celebrated career in the 1980s and early 1990s set high standards, making the challenge of forging his own path especially difficult. Despite this, Chase has steadily risen to become one of today’s most prominent drivers, confidently managing expectations tied to his family name while focusing on his own achievements.
In a recent discussion with Lindsay Czarniak, Chase attributed part of his ability to navigate this pressure to the supportive upbringing provided by his parents. He explained how they gave him freedom to choose his own direction, emphasizing,
The way they kind of brought me up and allowed me to live my life and to do the things that I wanted to do, it was always my choice. Racing was always my choice. If I went home, whether I was 10th, 15th, or 20th, if I went home and said, ‘Hey, mom and dad. I don’t want to do this anymore,’ it would have been totally fine. They always made that really apparent to me.
—Chase Elliott
Balancing Admiration for His Father With His Own Ambitions
Chase has been mindful of creating his own identity in the sport, consciously avoiding direct comparisons with Bill‘s legendary record. However, he openly acknowledged that he aspires to reach the same heights as his father. His dedication on the track and steady climb in recent years suggest he is well on his way to matching that legacy.
Bill Elliott’s Role in Supporting His Son’s Racing Journey Today
Bill Elliott, now 69, enjoys the life of a retired racing icon and proud father of a current NASCAR Cup Series champion. Earlier in Chase’s career, Bill was more frequently seen at races, eagerly watching his son compete and make his mark. Lately, however, he has chosen to cut back on attending events.
Chase provided insight into his father’s decision, saying,
He doesn’t come to as many races as he probably did early on in my career. Like I tell a lot of people, he has been running the circles for a long time. So, at this point, it’s totally like, ‘Man, I get it. Enjoy being home and enjoying retirement. You’ve had a wonderful career.’ I think, at this point, he is finally doing that.
—Chase Elliott
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Family Legacy at Richmond Raceway
With Chase now carrying the family name forward as a proven competitor, Bill can comfortably enjoy retirement knowing his legacy is in capable hands. Chase, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion, is preparing to race next at Richmond Raceway this Saturday, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to build on his father’s storied history while pursuing his own quest for NASCAR glory.
