“I Think He Has Earned That”: How Much is Chase Elliott’s Dad Bill Involved in Son’s NASCAR Career?

At 69 years of age, Bill Elliott has seen the ultimate dream that any race car driver would have fulfilled. He is a NASCAR legend whose son is a Cup Series champion en route to carving a legacy of his own. Acknowledging the fortunate turns of events, is Bill actively involved in his son’s career, or is he staying away from all things racing?

Chase Elliott answered this question in a 2024 interview. He said, “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’s 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.”

Bill was the 1988 Winston Cup Series champion. From Daytona to Darlington, every race track witnessed his expertise and skill behind the wheel. He was also the Most Popular Driver Award winner for 16 years. Such an extraordinary career requires some well-deserved rest and peace. Fortunately, he is getting it now.

Chase continued, “[He is] taking some time to himself. Doing the things he wants to do. I think he has earned that.” 

With his father not always in the picture, the Hendrick Motorsports driver has taken on the responsibility of preserving his family’s legacy. Recent statistics prove that he is highly capable of it.

Chase follows in his father’s footsteps as a fan favorite

The younger Elliott is a seven-time Most Popular Driver Award winner. At just 29, he is only behind his father and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the popularity meter. If he maintains his current level of performance until he reaches 40, he will match or beat his father’s award count. Bill’s parenting style has shaped him into the person and driver he is today.

He mentioned in a 2023 interview that his father always gave importance to his likes and dislikes. Nothing was ever forced on him. He said, “He always gave me the choice to like, hey, if you don’t wanna do this anymore, just let me know. It was never this is what we’re doing, this is what we have to do, you’re doing this because I did it.”

The free will allowed him to grow independently and figure out what he wanted to do with his life. Fortunately, he led himself to the race tracks and has since upheld his family’s legacy.