At the 2021 NASCAR Championship Banquet held in Nashville, Chase Elliott turned heads with a bold and unique fashion choice. When approached by veteran NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass to discuss his standout attire, Elliott casually shrugged off the inquiry, saying he picked the outfit simply because he felt like it. This laid-back response was typical of Elliott, who has been driving for Hendrick Motorsports since 2016. The Georgia-born driver, now 28, claimed his first and only NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2020, where he triumphed over rivals like Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, and Brad Keselowski in the season’s climactic finale in Phoenix.
During the 2021 banquet, when Pockrass again pressed him about the origin of his outfit and his reason for wearing it, Elliott’s response was characteristically straightforward. He said, “I got it in the hat store […] and I wore it because I wanted to.” For the event, Elliott donned a navy blue suit, crisp white dress shirt, tie, and a stylish bowler hat. The polished look was further accentuated by brown shoes and a matching belt, creating an overall ensemble that exuded both sophistication and flair. When asked who had picked the outfit, Elliott confirmed that he had made the fashion decision himself, stating with a chuckle, “I did, yeah,” as reported by Kickin’ the Tires.
Apart from his fashion statement, Elliott also made headlines for clinching his fourth consecutive National Press Association Most Popular Driver Award at the event. While Elliott shone in the popularity stakes, his Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Kyle Larson, took home the biggest prize of the night—the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series championship title. When asked for his thoughts on Larson’s victory, Elliott was gracious in his praise, saying, “I think for Kyle and Cliff and those guys, it’s just about enjoying the week. It’s not really about handing over any reins. They were the best of the field this year, and they should absolutely celebrate their success. They’ve earned it and deserve it.”
In 2021, Larson had joined Hendrick Motorsports alongside Elliott, Alex Bowman, and William Byron, creating a formidable roster for the Concord-based racing team. That year’s championship race in Phoenix was a nail-biting affair, where Larson outpaced contenders like Elliott, Hamlin, and Martin Truex Jr. to secure his first-ever NASCAR Cup Series title. Despite Elliott’s commendable season, where he earned two victories, 15 top-5 finishes, and 21 top-10s, Larson’s dominance was undeniable, racking up 10 wins, 20 top-5 finishes, and 26 top-10s.
As teammates, Elliott and Larson have shared a healthy rivalry since 2021, both vying for wins and the top spot within the team. While Larson emerged as the victor in their first season together, Elliott bounced back stronger in 2022, achieving five wins, 12 top-5 finishes, and 20 top-10 placements. Notably, Elliott was the only Hendrick Motorsports driver to make it to the Championship 4, although Joey Logano ultimately took home the title.
The 2023 season, however, has been a particularly challenging one for Elliott, arguably the toughest of his career so far. A significant injury and a one-race suspension took a toll on his performance, leading to a winless season for the No. 9 driver. In contrast, Larson finished the season as the runner-up. As the two drivers now enter the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, along with their Hendrick Motorsports teammates, the competition between Elliott and Larson remains fierce. Elliott currently holds a narrow two-position lead over Larson in the standings as they prepare for the next round of the playoffs at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 21, marking the third race in the Round of 16.
The stage is set for another intense battle between Elliott and Larson as they both strive to continue their legacies in the sport, driving for one of the most iconic teams in NASCAR history.
