“I don't take it lightly ever” - When Chase Elliott showed gratitude to NASCAR fans for supporting his family legacy
Chase Elliott has been a fan favorite in recent years in NASCAR, as the Hendrick Motorsports star won his sixth straight National Motorsports Press Association Most Popular Driver Award last year. Elliott once appreciated the support of his fans and the legacy he carries as the son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott.
Last year, during the NASCAR Awards banquet in Nashville, the #9 HMS driver reflected on the importance of receiving the NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver Award, viewing it as a testament to his family’s legacy and contribution to the sport. He also thanked fans for their unwavering support throughout his career and to his family.
While receiving the Most Popular Driver Award in 2023, referring to fans’ dedication to his family’s rich NASCAR history, Elliott said:
“This award has always, in my eyes, a reflection and extension of my family’s place in the sport, and I recognize my spot in line and recognize what they’ve done. The reason that it’s special is because of the fans and how supportive they have been to my entire family, myself included, and our team over the years. I’m grateful for that. I don’t take it lightly, ever.
“I know you said you weren’t stunned, but I still take it very seriously, and I’m grateful for what they do for us. They’ve been phenomenal. So, I appreciate that.”
Chase Elliott’s humility and connection with fans have made him one of the most popular drivers in sports history, a title he has won for the sixth consecutive year. The Elliott family has 22 awards, with Chase having six and his father 16.
Chase Elliott, who drives the #9 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports in Cup Series, is again in contention to win the 2024 Most Popular Driver Award.
Chase Elliott is “really proud” after an impressive 2024 NASCAR season
The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion had an impressive season, registering one win, 11 top-five and 19 top-10 finishes with an average finish of 11.7 in 36 races this season. He finished seventh in the championship standings, wrapping the season with an eighth-place result in the season-finale race at Phoenix Raceway.
Ahead of the Phoenix Championship Race, Chase Elliott reflected on his 2024 campaign:
“Nothing is ever perfect, I guess, in my eyes, but I am really proud of where we’ve come from and where we have been, particularly over the last few months of the season, and even more so over the last few weeks. I just feel like we have a really good direction, I feel like I have a good direction.”