Chase Elliott Reflects on Tony Stewart’s Mentorship and Parallels with Keelan Harvick

“I remember him treating me the same way” – Chase Elliott Reflects on His Childhood Relationship with Tony Stewart, Citing Keelan Harvick

Chase Elliott, one of NASCAR’s brightest stars, has a unique perspective on the sport—one shaped by his upbringing and early interactions with veteran drivers. In a memorable interview on *The Rich Eisen Show* in 2016, Elliott reflected on his childhood experiences with Tony Stewart, drawing a fascinating parallel to Stewart’s relationship with Kevin Harvick’s son, Keelan.

Tony Stewart: A Mentor and Friend

Although Elliott’s father, Bill Elliott, was a well-known NASCAR champion, young Chase didn’t just grow up watching his father race. He had the privilege of forming relationships with many drivers who would shape his view of the sport. One driver who stood out in his memory was Tony Stewart, a three-time Cup Series champion and one of NASCAR’s most colorful personalities.

Chase recalled how Stewart always took time out of his busy race schedule to make sure he said “hey” to him when he was a child. “It kind of reminds me of the way Tony and Keelan Harvick are together now,” Elliott explained. “He was always one that wanted to be buddies, always taking time out of his day to make sure he said ‘hey’ to you, which, as a little kid, was really cool.”

Elliott’s words reflect the lasting impact of Stewart’s mentorship and kindness. Despite Stewart’s reputation for being a prankster, Elliott said he was fortunate enough

to avoid being on the receiving end of Stewart’s notorious tricks. “But he didn’t do that to me. I got lucky,” he laughed. This early connection with Stewart was not only a significant part of Elliott’s childhood but also helped establish a foundation of respect and admiration for the veteran driver.

Chase Elliott’s First Full-Time Season

The 2016 season marked a significant milestone in Chase Elliott’s career as he stepped into the No. 24 car for Hendrick Motorsports, following in the footsteps of Jeff Gordon. At just 21 years old, Elliott’s transition to full-time NASCAR Cup Series racing came with high expectations. Despite the pressure, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging the support from Rick Hendrick and his team.

“It’s been great. This has been such a good opportunity. I can’t thank Mr. Hendrick enough for what he’s done for me, for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to go out and race,” Elliott shared in his interview. “I never believed it would all come together like it has. To be racing in Cup, have sponsors like NAPA… it’s been a lot of fun. I’m excited.”

Elliott’s first season was marked by impressive achievements, including becoming the youngest driver to win the pole for the Daytona 500. He also made the playoffs, finishing 10th in points and earning the 2016 Rookie of the Year award.

The Value of Mentorship

Chase Elliott’s reflections on Tony Stewart highlight the importance of mentorship in the racing world. Stewart’s early support helped shape Elliott’s career, just as Stewart now plays a mentor role for younger drivers and even for Keelan Harvick. These relationships are foundational in a sport where experience and camaraderie play pivotal roles in the development of future stars.