Chase Elliott had an unforgettable childhood experience when his father, Bill Elliott, began winning again in the Cup Series. Chase Elliott, the 2020 Cup Series champion, comes from a prestigious racing family. His father, Bill Elliott, won the Cup in 1988 and together, they have won over 22 Most Popular Driver awards. During an interview on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast, Chase Elliott reminisced about his early years in the sport.
Chase Elliott fondly remembers the early 2000s, when he was around five or six years old. He especially recalls his father’s victories while driving for Evernham Motorsports. These memories hold a special place in his heart, as he witnessed his father’s success during NASCAR’s peak of popularity.
“I would say the most memorable moment of my childhood was when my father raced for Evernham Motorsports in the early 2000s. I was just old enough to remember a bit of it, and I started to realize how amazing it was. NASCAR was at its peak, and it was incredible to see my father as a star in the sport,” shared Chase Elliott on the Happy Hour podcast.
These victories were significant for Bill Elliott, as they showcased his talent during a period when his career was less productive. After Chase was born in 1994, Bill Elliott’s racing career had already peaked with Melling Racing. He later started his own team, but struggled to secure wins. However, during his three seasons with Evernham, Bill Elliott managed to win four races.
Chase Elliott revealed that at the time he was not aware of the importance of these victories to his father. He did not realize that Bill had gone through a winless period before returning to victory lane. Beating the younger generation of drivers after a hiatus was a remarkable achievement for Bill Elliott.
Chase Elliott is continuing his family’s racing legacy, following in the footsteps of his father, Bill Elliott. It is highly likely that he will also be inducted into the Hall of Fame, just like his father. At less than 30 years old, Chase Elliott still has a promising career as the driver of the #9 car for Hendrick Motorsports.
