For the first time in his career, Chase Elliott has openly discussed his thoughts on retirement from NASCAR, a topic that has sparked curiosity among fans and the racing community. As one of the sport’s most popular drivers, Elliott’s future has always been a subject of interest, but until now, he had kept his long-term plans close to the chest.
Ahead of the 2025 season opener at Daytona, Elliott addressed the possibility of retirement during a candid interview. Reflecting on the careers of his fellow drivers, Elliott mentioned how he’s seen many veterans step away from the sport only to return later, driven by their love for racing. “I’ve watched other guys leave and come back,” Elliott said. “I think it’s hard to predict how you’ll feel until you’re in that position.”
Elliott, who has been with Hendrick Motorsports since his full-time Cup debut in 2016, made it clear that he isn’t planning on stepping away anytime soon. While he acknowledges that perspectives and interests can change over time, right now, his focus remains on racing and competing at the highest level. “I’ll cross that bridge when I get there,” he said, indicating that retirement isn’t something he’s seriously considering at this stage in his career.
Currently signed with Hendrick Motorsports through the 2028 season, Elliott is in a strong position both competitively and contractually. Team owner Rick Hendrick has been vocal about his desire to see Elliott, along with teammate William Byron, retire with the organization. “That’s an ongoing situation for me,” Hendrick previously stated, highlighting his commitment to keeping Elliott as part of the Hendrick family for the long haul.
Elliott’s comments come at a time when several veteran drivers have recently stepped away or announced their future retirements, prompting questions about the next generation of NASCAR stars. However, for Elliott fans, his reassurance that he plans to stay in the sport for the foreseeable future is welcome news.
As the 2025 season kicks off, Elliott remains focused on adding more victories and championships to his already impressive résumé. While the thought of retirement is something he knows will eventually come, it’s clear that Chase Elliott still has plenty of laps left to run before that day arrives. For now, fans can continue cheering on one of NASCAR’s brightest stars, knowing he’s here to stay—at least for a few more years.
