February 10, 2025

Chase Elliott Interview Made Me Change My Mind on NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver

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For years, the title of NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver has been synonymous with Chase Elliott. Son of Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, who won the same award a record-breaking 16 times, Chase has carried the torch with a quiet demeanor, immense talent, and a dedicated fanbase that has remained loyal through his ups and downs.

But if I’m being honest, I never quite understood the hype. Sure, Elliott was talented, but was he really deserving of the Most Popular Driver award every single year since Dale Earnhardt Jr. stepped away from full-time racing in 2017? Were fans simply voting for the Elliott name out of habit? Did his popularity stem more from his father’s legacy than his own merit?

That all changed when I had the opportunity to sit down for an interview with Chase Elliott. What I learned about him—not just as a driver, but as a person—completely altered my perception.

The Pressure of a Legacy

Chase Elliott has always been surrounded by expectations. As the son of Bill Elliott, he was practically born into NASCAR royalty. His father, known as “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville,” set an incredibly high standard, winning the 1988 NASCAR Cup Series championship and becoming a fan favorite for his down-to-earth attitude and on-track success.

When Chase made his way through the ranks, many assumed his rise was inevitable. He dominated in lower series, won the 2014 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship, and was fast-tracked to the Cup Series, replacing Jeff Gordon in the iconic No. 24 car for Hendrick Motorsports in 2016.

“I never thought of it as pressure,” Elliott told me. “But I always knew people were watching, expecting things from me. My dad always told me that at the end of the day, the only thing you can control is how much effort you put in. So that’s what I’ve always focused on.”

He spoke with a calm confidence, a stark contrast to the fiery personalities of past NASCAR legends. He wasn’t trying to prove anything to me or anyone else—he was just being himself.

The Fan Connection

One of the biggest questions I had for Elliott was about his fanbase. Why did he think fans gravitated toward him so passionately?

“Honestly, I don’t know,” he admitted with a chuckle. “I just try to be myself. I think NASCAR has a fanbase that really appreciates authenticity, and I’ve never tried to be anything I’m not. I just love racing, and I think the fans pick up on that.”

After talking to some of his most devoted fans, it became clear why Elliott had such a strong following. Many mentioned his humility, his work ethic, and the way he carries himself with quiet dignity. He doesn’t seek the spotlight, and in an era where social media drives much of sports culture, that actually makes him stand out.

“I like that he’s not flashy,” one fan told me. “He’s not trying to be a celebrity—he just wants to race. That’s why I respect him.”

The Turning Point: 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Championship

Elliott’s popularity skyrocketed after his 2020 NASCAR Cup Series championship win. Before that, many fans supported him as an underdog—the talented driver who just couldn’t seem to break through. But when he won at Phoenix Raceway to secure his first championship, he cemented himself as a true star of the sport.

“That moment was special,” Elliott reflected. “Winning a championship is something you dream about as a kid. But it wasn’t just about me—it was about my team, my family, and the fans who stuck with me. It was a win for all of us.”

Unlike some past champions, who have used their success to cultivate a larger-than-life persona, Elliott remained the same. He didn’t let the fame change him, and that’s something fans appreciate.

His Love for Racing, Not Fame

One of the biggest revelations from our conversation was how little Elliott cares about fame. While many athletes embrace the spotlight, he actively avoids it.

“I just want to race,” he said simply. “That’s what I love. Everything else that comes with it—the media, the attention—I understand it’s part of the job, but it’s not why I do this.”

That mindset explains why he doesn’t post constantly on social media or seek out endorsement deals like some of his peers. He’s not interested in being a brand—he’s interested in winning races.

Adversity and the 2023 Season

Elliott’s 2023 season was arguably the most challenging of his career. After a snowboarding accident early in the year, he was forced to miss several races, breaking a streak of 254 consecutive Cup Series starts. When he returned, he struggled to find his rhythm and missed the NASCAR playoffs for the first time in his career.

Some critics suggested that his focus wasn’t where it needed to be. But after speaking with him, I saw a different side—one that doesn’t make excuses and doesn’t dwell on setbacks.

“You have to take the bad with the good,” he said. “Nobody’s career is perfect. The most important thing is learning from it and coming back stronger.”

His resilience was evident in how he handled the adversity. Instead of lashing out or blaming circumstances, he put his head down and kept working.

Why He Deserves the Title of NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver

Before our interview, I viewed Chase Elliott as a talented but somewhat unremarkable personality. I respected his skills but didn’t fully understand why he commanded such a devoted fanbase.

Now, I get it.

Chase Elliott isn’t the loudest, the flashiest, or the most controversial driver in NASCAR. But he represents something that fans deeply value—authenticity, humility, and a pure love for racing.

In a sport that has evolved with social media and corporate sponsorships, Elliott is a throwback to a different era. He lets his performance speak for itself, and he doesn’t seek validation from anything outside of the race track.

That’s why fans love him. That’s why he keeps winning the Most Popular Driver award year after year. And that’s why, after speaking with him, I’ve changed my mind—he truly is the deserving face of NASCAR’s fanbase.


Final Thoughts

After our interview, I walked away with a newfound respect for Chase Elliott. He may not be the most outspoken driver, but that’s part of his appeal. His quiet determination and focus on racing above all else make him a refreshing presence in the sport.

For those who, like me, may have questioned his popularity, I encourage you to look beyond the surface. Chase Elliott isn’t trying to win a popularity contest—he’s just being himself. And in the world of NASCAR, that’s exactly why he keeps winning over fans, year after year.

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