Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott is the last of the legendary bloodlines of the sport. The 2020 Cup Series champion is the son of 1988 Cup winner Bill Elliott . The Elliott’s are among the most famous names of the sport, as they combined have won over 22 Most Popular Driver awards. Recently via Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast the No:9 Chevy driver recalled his childhood.
While speaking about the special moments he had around the sport, he recalled the early 2000s when he was five to six years old. Bill Elliott’s win at the time driving for Evernham Motorsports of Rev Evernham are the one he can recall as his first NASCAR memories. Chase Elliott was over the moon in the time period as he loved to see his father being a superstar of NASCAR when the sport was at it’s peak.
As a kid, I would say the most special time I had growing up was when dad went over to Rya’s there in what, 2000, 2001, 2002. I was just old enough to barely remember some of that, and I was just kind of old enough to start realizing how cool this was and obviously the state that NSACAR was in at that point in time was high. It was incredible and I mean, my gosh, your dad was a part of this show that was just on another level.
Chase Elliott said via Happy Hour podcast.
The experience helped Bill to showcase to his son how good he was as before and after these periods the Hall of Famer was less productive. When Chase was born in 1994, Bill was already over his peak years with Melling Racing and Junior Johnson. He started racing for his own team, but struggled to produce wins. But the three season he had with Evernham saw him winning four races.
Chase Elliott didn’t realize how big those moments were for his father in 2000s
While talking further about the topic, Chase Elliott pointed out that he didn’t no the wins were so special for his father as he was unaware about Bill’s winless streak. Getting back to victory lane defeating the youngblood’s after a break was impressive achievement for Bill.
I probably didn’t realize it as much then but looking back on it makes me appreciate it more I can just tell the genuine joy he was getting out of running good again because he hadn’t been. Chase Elliott said.
Bill Elliott and his family’s racing legacy is now being extended by Chase Elliott. Just like his father he would most probably end up in the Hall of Famer. As a racer who isn’t still at his 30’s, the No:9 HMS driver has a lot left to offer.
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