One of the brightest stars in the game-Chase Elliott has never talked a word about his retirement. But now the Hendrick Motorsports driver has talked about it, having had a decade in racing that parallels thoughts about his father's life after retirement.
In the countdown to the 2025 season opener at Daytona, Elliott was asked to discuss his plans for life after racing. The 2020 Cup Series champion complied, saying that retirement was hardly on his mind, and insisted that he would cross that bridge when he got there.
On Media Day, Elliott remarked, "I don't know what I would want to do. It's a hard thing to-it's kind of one of those things. I've watched other guys leave and come back. I've kind of seen it all, I guess, depending upon who it is. But I think those feelings, those emotions, that timing or whatever's next-you have to kind of assess those things when that time comes."
Elliott further believes that opinions and preferences can change with time, thus making long-term plans difficult. At this day, he would rather think about his racing career and try to remain in NASCAR as long as possible.
A Career Basking in Glory
Elliott has completed just 10 years in his NASCAR career, yet beyond that, he has plenty to show on his success portfolio. Winner of a Cup Series championship (2020); 19 wins in 322 starts; and 171 top-10 finishes, his consistency on track has made his name among the elite drivers of the sport.
Yet, Elliott has milestones that he has not yet achieved. He would love to win the big Costa-29000 races still on his wish list, which includes the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, and Brickyard 400 on the map at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This way, he will keep chasing greatness.
Consistent and Tough
Further fortified with real resilience in the 2024 season, Elliott managed to hold on to seventh place in the driver standings despite winning only one race. Elliott has finished in the top 10 every season since his full-time debut in the Cup Series in 2016, with the exception of 2023, when he was absent for seven races with an injury.
It is his ability to contend at the highest level season after season that has helped endear him to fans and continue as a title contender.
Retirement Inspiration Drawn from Bill Elliott
Chase Elliott3 has framed his view on retirement around Bill Elliott, his father. Bill Elliott is a Hall of Famer and champion in NASCAR. After a full-time career that ended in 2003, he has savored every minute of that retirement, and these memories of retirement maybe something Chase admires.
Chase remarked about his father's retirement, stating: "(He is) taking some time to himself. Doing the things he wants to do. I think he has earned that... 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 circle for a long time. So at this point, it is totally like, 'Man, I get it. Enjoy being home and enjoy retirement. You've had a wonderful career.' I think at this point he is finally doing that."
Though Bill's early presence at the track will less often happen in days to come, his legacy is very much alive through Chase, who is set to carry the Elliott name to greater heights in NASCAR.
Legacy-Carrying Forward
Definitely, Chase Elliott upholds his family racing tradition but carved some of his own legacy. His numerous on-track successes and enticing personality off the track have won him the Most Popular Driver Award seven times, the third highest total ever in NASCAR, behind his father and Dale Earnhardt Jr.
With competition still on his mind, Chase continues to pursue his accomplishments while symbolizing the principles instilled in him by his father. Retirement is a thought somewhere off into the future, but for now, Chase Elliott is all in on great things in NASCAR.
Blessed with abilities, Chase Elliott is determined to make his mark in NASCAR. Respect for the sport will keep him a force in the future. Fans are in for more heartfelt memories chasing history and the family's legacy.