Chase Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the sport’s most popular drivers, confirmed that the current season will be his last in the NASCAR Cup Series. Elliott, known for his success with Hendrick Motorsports, made the surprising announcement, citing a mix of personal reasons and the desire to explore new opportunities outside of NASCAR as the driving factors behind his decision.
In an emotional statement, Elliott explained that the toll of the rigorous NASCAR schedule had become overwhelming, leaving him with little time for personal life and other pursuits. He mentioned feeling burnt out after years of intense competition and constant travel, which took a toll on both his physical and mental well-being. Elliott expressed a desire to step back from the demanding grind of the Cup Series and focus on spending more time with family and pursuing other passions, including potentially racing in different motorsport categories.
Elliott emphasized that this decision was not made lightly, acknowledging the support he received from fans, his team, and the NASCAR community throughout his career. He thanked Hendrick Motorsports for giving him the opportunity to compete at the highest level and for their unwavering support during his journey in the Cup Series. Elliott’s departure marks the end of an era for both the team and NASCAR, as he has been a fan favorite and a significant figure in the sport.
While Elliott is stepping away from full-time Cup Series racing, he hinted that he may not be done with motorsports entirely. He left the door open for potential one-off appearances in other racing series and even hinted at a possible return to NASCAR in the future, under different circumstances. However, for now, he is ready to close this chapter and begin a new phase of his life.