Chase Elliott, widely recognized as one of NASCAR’s most popular drivers, has repeatedly earned that title through fan-voted awards, further cementing his status as a fan favorite. His electrifying driving skills and natural charisma have endeared him to NASCAR enthusiasts across the globe. In particular, his Cup Series championship victory in 2020 was a monumental moment, which not only solidified his place among NASCAR’s elite but also strengthened his bond with his ever-loyal fanbase. His triumphs on the racetrack continue to reinforce his reputation as one of the sport’s top talents, and fans continue to rally behind him, season after season, eagerly anticipating his next milestone.
However, Chase Elliott’s love for speed is not confined solely to the racetrack. Beyond his renowned racing career, Elliott also has a passion for aviation—a lesser-known but significant aspect of his life. While it is commonplace for NASCAR drivers to travel between races via private jets, what sets Elliott apart is that he pilots his own aircraft. This unique skill adds another layer to his already impressive résumé, highlighting his adventurous spirit and desire to continuously push his limits, whether in the air or on the track. His journey as a pilot started years ago, as he revealed in 2015 that he had earned his pilot’s license, an achievement that allows him to fly himself to races and personal events with the same precision he uses behind the wheel of his #9 Chevrolet Camaro.
Elliott’s skills in the cockpit are not just for show—he genuinely enjoys flying and takes pride in his ability to control an aircraft. He frequently pilots his own private jet to NASCAR events, often cutting through the skies to ensure he arrives at each race on time. In fact, he owns a 2006 Cessna 525B Citation CJ3, a well-regarded and popular jet in the world of private aviation. This sleek aircraft is a favorite among business executives and high-profile individuals due to its combination of speed, range, and luxurious comfort. Elliott has been seen flying his jet to various race venues, showcasing his dual talents as both a racecar driver and a skilled aviator. Although in February 2024, Aviation Alabama reported that Elliott had put the jet up for sale, his legacy as a NASCAR driver who takes control in the air and on the ground remains intact.
His passion for flying isn’t just a recent development, either—it’s rooted deeply in his upbringing. In a candid 2019 interview with sports journalist Lindsay Czarniak, Elliott opened up about how aviation has been a lifelong interest, thanks to the influence of his father, Bill Elliott. His father, a NASCAR Hall of Famer and former Cup Series champion himself, was also a seasoned pilot who surrounded Chase with airplanes throughout his childhood. Elliott spoke fondly of the opportunities his father provided him, saying, “My dad is a pilot, flying for a long time. I was very fortunate as a kid and fortunate now to grow up around him and airplanes… Just his involvement in it more than anything.” His father’s love for flying sparked Chase’s own interest, and it wasn’t long before the younger Elliott sought to follow in his footsteps, not just on the racetrack, but in the skies as well. He learned to fly and earned his license, and since then, aviation has been a consistent part of his life, offering him a unique escape and a personal challenge that extends beyond motorsports.
Flying planes, however, has also served a deeper purpose for Elliott beyond simply reaching his destinations. During a March 2024 appearance on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Elliott revealed more about his personal journey and how aviation has helped shape him. He spoke candidly about his unconventional path, noting that unlike many of his peers, he didn’t pursue higher education after high school. Instead, Elliott made the decision to jump straight into racing full-time, which led him to skip the traditional route of attending college or university. After graduating from high school in the second semester, he immediately started working toward his racing career under the banner of Hendrick Motorsports, and from there, his focus was solely on becoming a top-level driver.
Without the formal structure of continued education, Elliott sought other ways to challenge his mind and grow personally. He explained that earning his pilot’s license was a way to supplement his lack of a college education and keep his brain sharp. In his own words, Elliott said, “I didn’t go to college. I got out of high school that second semester and I came up here and started racing out of this building. The flying thing for me has always been just a way for me to continue to challenge my mind and to try and better myself in an educational way. Kind of to supplement the fact that I didn’t go to college and I didn’t go to school. And I just feel like it’s, if I don’t feel like I’m challenging my brain in some way, shape, or form, I feel like I’m just wasting away.” Through flying, Elliott has been able to satisfy his desire for continuous self-improvement, using it as both a practical skill and an intellectual exercise that provides him with a sense of fulfillment beyond his racing career.
As for his racing career, Chase Elliott is currently competing in his ninth consecutive season with Hendrick Motorsports, one of NASCAR’s most dominant and prestigious teams. He made his full-time debut for the team in 2016, and over the years, he has become one of the most consistent performers in the Cup Series. His skill on the track has earned him a loyal fanbase, and his 2020 championship remains one of the highlights of his career. As the 2024 NASCAR season progresses, Elliott continues to be a fierce competitor. Earlier in the season, he secured a crucial win at Texas Motor Speedway, which guaranteed his spot in the playoffs—a testament to his ongoing determination and ability to compete at the highest level. Currently sitting in seventh place in the playoff standings, he heads into the final race of the Round of 16 in a relatively safe position, ready to make a strong push for another deep playoff run.
With his combination of on-track success, off-track passion for flying, and a never-ending desire to challenge himself mentally and physically, Chase Elliott has cemented his place as not only a fan favorite but as one of the most fascinating figures in modern NASCAR. His story continues to evolve, and whether he’s racing around a track or soaring through the skies, Elliott remains a symbol of dedication, passion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
