William Clyde Elliott II Bio
William Clyde Elliott II, known professionally as Chase Elliott, is an American professional stock car racing driver born on November 28, 1995, in Dawsonville, Georgia. He competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports. Chase Elliott is the son of Bill Elliott, the 1988 Winston Cup Series champion and 2015 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, making them one of NASCAR’s notable father-son duos. Elliott has established himself as a leading driver, winning the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series championship and earning multiple victories across NASCAR’s top series.
Early Life and Background
Born and raised in Dawsonville, Georgia, Chase Elliott grew up immersed in the world of racing, influenced heavily by his father Bill Elliott’s successful NASCAR career. From a young age, Chase showed a passion for motorsports, beginning his racing journey in late model series. His early career was marked by significant achievements in prestigious late model events, including multiple wins at the Snowball Derby, the Winchester 400, the World Crown 300, and the All American 400. These formative years laid the foundation for his transition to professional stock car racing.
Chase’s early exposure to racing was supported by his family, with his father serving as a mentor and spotter during key races. This close family involvement helped him develop the skills and racecraft necessary to succeed at higher levels. His education details are not publicly noted, as his focus shifted early to a professional racing career.
Path to NASCAR
Chase Elliott’s path to NASCAR began with a driver development contract signed with Hendrick Motorsports in 2012. He competed in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West, gaining valuable experience and securing his first victory at Iowa Speedway in 2012. Elliott also made appearances in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where he became the youngest pole-sitter and youngest winner at the time, showcasing his talent on both oval and road courses.
In 2014, Elliott made his mark by winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series (now Xfinity Series) Rookie of the Year and the series championship, becoming the first rookie and youngest driver to claim a national series title in NASCAR history. This breakthrough season propelled him into the NASCAR Cup Series, where he debuted in 2015 and began driving full-time in 2016, taking over the iconic No. 24 car previously driven by Jeff Gordon.
William Clyde Elliott II Career
Early Career (2012–2015)
Chase Elliott’s early career featured competition in the K&N Pro Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He earned his first Truck Series pole in 2013 and won at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, becoming the youngest winner in series history at that time. His Nationwide Series debut in 2014 was highly successful, with multiple wins and a championship that year. Elliott also competed part-time in the Xfinity Series in 2015, securing victories and gaining experience that prepared him for the Cup Series.
During this period, Elliott developed under the guidance of Hendrick Motorsports and crew chiefs such as Alan Gustafson. His early success established him as a rising star in NASCAR, known for his versatility and composure on diverse track types.
NASCAR Cup Series Breakthrough (2015–2017)
Chase Elliott made his NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2015, running select races before joining full-time in 2016 in the No. 24 car. He won the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year award, demonstrating consistent performance with multiple top-ten finishes and two pole positions, including the youngest pole at the Daytona 500. Elliott showed promise with strong runs on both ovals and road courses, narrowly missing his first Cup victory several times.
In 2017, Elliott continued to build momentum, winning the pole for the Daytona 500 for the second consecutive year and capturing his first Can-Am Duel race. He recorded multiple runner-up finishes and contended for wins at Martinsville, Dover, and other tracks. His aggressive yet calculated driving style earned respect, though he faced challenges such as late-race incidents and tough competition that kept him just shy of his maiden Cup victory.
Hendrick Motorsports Era (2018–Present)
In 2018, Elliott switched to the No. 9 car, honoring his father’s racing number, and secured his first career NASCAR Cup Series win at Watkins Glen International, a road course. This victory marked a milestone, making him the youngest driver to win on a road course in Cup history. He followed with additional wins that season and advanced deep into the playoffs, finishing sixth in points.
Elliott’s career peaked in 2020 when he won the NASCAR Cup Series championship, becoming the second-youngest champion and joining his father as part of a rare father-son championship duo. He continued to excel on road courses and intermediate tracks, winning multiple races and the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Regular Season Championship. Despite injuries and setbacks in 2023, Elliott remains a top competitor for Hendrick Motorsports, known for his partnership with crew chief Alan Gustafson and his strategic race management.
Driving Style and Strengths
Chase Elliott is recognized for his strong road course abilities, tactical racecraft, and adaptability across various track types. His smooth driving style, combined with aggressive yet calculated moves, allows him to excel in high-pressure situations. Elliott’s collaboration with crew chief Alan Gustafson has been instrumental in optimizing race strategies and car setups, contributing to his consistent top-tier performances.
Notable Races and Milestones
Elliott’s signature wins include the 2020 Daytona 500, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Championship, and multiple road course victories such as those at Watkins Glen and the Charlotte Roval. His 2018 Watkins Glen win was a defining moment, breaking through after several near-misses. Elliott has also won prestigious exhibition events like the 2020 NASCAR All-Star Race and the 2025 Cook Out Clash, further cementing his status among NASCAR’s elite.
William Clyde Elliott II Career Wins
Chase Elliott has amassed over 20 career NASCAR Cup Series victories, including key wins on road courses and superspeedways. His first Cup win came in 2018 at Watkins Glen, and his most recent victories include wins in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Elliott’s success extends to the Xfinity and Truck Series, where he earned multiple wins and set records as a young driver.
NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
With more than 20 Cup Series wins, Elliott has established himself as a consistent front-runner. His 2018 Watkins Glen victory was his breakthrough, followed by multiple wins at Dover, Kansas, Talladega, and road courses like the Charlotte Roval. Elliott’s 2020 championship and 2022 regular-season title highlight his competitive peak. He is also an eight-time recipient of NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver Award and was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023.
Other Wins & Performances
In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Elliott won the 2014 championship as a rookie, securing several race victories that season. His Truck Series career includes historic wins as the youngest pole-sitter and winner at the time, with notable victories at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and Martinsville. Elliott has also competed successfully in select Truck Series races in recent years, including a win in 2020 at Charlotte.
William Clyde Elliott II Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Chase Elliott is the son of Bill Elliott, a NASCAR Hall of Famer and 1988 Winston Cup Series champion. The Elliott family is one of NASCAR’s prominent racing lineages, with Chase continuing the legacy established by his father. Bill Elliott has been a mentor and spotter for Chase, providing guidance throughout his career. This father-son relationship has been a significant influence on Chase’s development and success in motorsports.
Personal Life
Chase Elliott is in a relationship with Ashley Anderson. Details about children or other family members are not publicly disclosed. Elliott maintains a professional focus on his racing career while balancing his personal life privately.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Chase Elliott began the season with a victory at the Cook Out Clash, an exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium. He started the regular season with a 15th-place finish at the Daytona 500 and maintained consistent performance throughout the year. Elliott secured his 20th career victory at Atlanta by passing Brad Keselowski on the final lap and added a playoff win at Kansas. Despite strong results, Elliott faced stiff competition in the playoffs but remained a key contender for victories and championships. His partnership with Hendrick Motorsports and crew chief Alan Gustafson continues to be a foundation for his competitive efforts.
