Chase Elliott, the NASCAR superstar known for his lightning-fast driving skills, is a man of few words off the track. While many drivers relish the attention and fame that comes with their profession, Elliott prefers to keep his private life, well, private. The 28-year-old recently spoke with The Associated Press about his preference for a low-key lifestyle and his unwavering focus on racing.
Elliott, who has been voted NASCAR's most popular driver for the past six years, had a challenging 2021 season. He failed to secure a win, suffered a season-altering injury, and faced a one-race suspension. However, his illustrious racing lineage—his father is Hall of Famer Bill Elliott—did not influence his decision to pursue a career in racing. In fact, if he had the choice, he might be snowboarding in Colorado.
Owner of Hendrick Motorsports, Rick Hendrick, believes that Elliott would not slip into obscurity if he decided to step away from racing. While Elliott may not be a partygoer or world traveler, he enjoys living in Dawsonville, Georgia, and has not lost his burning desire to compete and become a champion.
Elliott clarified that his public image often misinterprets his true sentiments. He expressed his love for racing, especially the competition aspect, and the drive to constantly improve and be successful. The frustration that occasionally surfaces during races is a testament to his desire to do better, not an indication of his lack of passion for the sport.
Reflecting on the difficulties faced last season, Elliott believes that the team's struggles were not solely due to his injury. He contends that the issues they encountered in 2021 were a continuation of problems that had plagued them since 2020. While some may be tempted to blame his broken leg for their performance, Elliott dismisses it as an excuse, emphasizing the need for improvement across the board.
Being an annual playoff contender and a fixture in the championship four has become the norm for Elliott. However, missing the playoffs last year was a humbling experience for him. As he prepares for the season-opening Daytona 500, Elliott is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Despite finishing 22nd in the recent Clash due to a steering issue, he remains determined to bounce back and regain his competitive edge.
For Elliott, the goal is not merely to win races but to be consistently competitive. He believes that if he continually contends for victories and remains a threat each week, the wins will come naturally. By focusing on being a consistent contender, Elliott aims to establish himself as a driver whose exceptional performances are expected rather than surprising anyone with his results.
As the 2022 NASCAR season kicks off, all eyes will be on Chase Elliott and his quest to reclaim his championship form. Whether he finds solace in the private moments of his life or thrives on the thrill of the race track, one thing is certain: Elliott's determination and passion for racing remain unwavering. Only time will tell if he can translate that passion into another NASCAR championship.
