Chase Elliott, a prominent figure in NASCAR, has been a fixture in the sport for a decade. Despite his success, the driver of the #9 car for Hendrick Motorsports has never publicly discussed his retirement plans—until now. As the 2025 season approaches, Elliott shared some insight into his future, and his thoughts reflect a perspective that echoes the one his father, Bill Elliott, holds about life after racing.
“I Don’t Know What I Would Want to Do”
When asked about his post-racing career during Media Day ahead of the 2025 Daytona race, Chase Elliott admitted that he hasn’t yet made any concrete decisions regarding retirement. Instead, he explained that he prefers to wait until the time feels right to confront those inevitable questions.
“I don’t know what I would want to do. It’s a hard thing to — It’s kind of one of those things,” said Elliott when reflecting on his future. His words underscore the uncertainty that many athletes feel when it comes to life after their sport. Elliott also noted how retirement decisions are often shaped by emotions and timing. “I’ve watched other guys leave and come back… I think those feelings, those emotions, that timing or whatever’s next — you have to kind of assess those things when that time comes,” he added.
For now, Elliott is not focused on stepping away from the track anytime soon. He expressed his intention to continue racing for several more years, recognizing that much can change between now and when retirement actually becomes a reality. “I think a lot can change in the coming years,” he said, acknowledging that interests and priorities may evolve.
A Career Rich in Accomplishments
Though he may be undecided about his post-racing future, Chase Elliott has already made a significant mark in NASCAR. Since entering the Cup Series full-time in 2016, Elliott has solidified his status as one of the sport’s premier talents.
Among his career highlights is a Cup Series championship in 2020, 19 wins across 322 starts, and 171 top-10 finishes. Elliott has been remarkably consistent on the track, finishing in the top 10 in every season except for 2023, when he missed seven races due to injury.
While he’s had immense success, there are still iconic races that have eluded him. The Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, and Brickyard 400 are just a few of the prestigious events that Elliott has yet to conquer. Nonetheless, his continued strong performances and potential for further success make it clear that his career is far from over.
The Influence of Bill Elliott’s Retirement
Chase’s thoughts on retirement also seem to be shaped by his father, Bill Elliott, a NASCAR legend in his own right. Bill,
Chase, who has watched his father transition into this new phase of life, has a deep appreciation for Bill’s decision. In an interview last year, Chase reflected on his father’s retirement, saying, “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’s totally like, ‘Man, I get it. Enjoy being home and enjoy retirement. You’ve had a wonderful career.’”
While Bill may not be a frequent presence at NASCAR events anymore, his legacy endures through his son’s own career. Chase has continued to carry the family name with pride, becoming an even more beloved figure in the sport.
A Family Legacy
In addition to his on-track accomplishments, Chase Elliott has built a reputation as one of the sport’s most popular figures. His relatable personality and down-to-earth nature have earned him the coveted Most Popular Driver Award seven times, just behind his father Bill and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the all-time standings.
The Elliott family’s connection to NASCAR is undeniable, and Chase’s success has ensured that the family’s legacy is far from over. As he looks ahead to the future, both in and outside of racing, Chase seems content to take each day as it comes, just as his father has done in his post-racing life. Whether he follows in Bill’s footsteps and enjoys a peaceful retirement or continues racing for many more years, one thing is certain: the Elliott name will remain synonymous with NASCAR greatness for years to come.
Looking Ahead
For now, Chase Elliott’s focus remains on the 2025 NASCAR season and beyond. He’s not in a rush to make retirement decisions and is instead focused on his current career, where there are still many goals to achieve. Whether he eventually follows his father’s path into retirement or chooses a different route remains to be seen, but the future certainly looks bright for the talented and popular driver.
In the meantime, NASCAR fans can continue to watch Elliott strive for new victories and build upon his already impressive legacy. The journey is far from over, and with a career as promising as his, there’s plenty more to come.
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