Chase Elliott isn’t the first name that comes to mind when discussing Hendrick Motorsports drivers participating in non-NASCAR events. Kyle Larson has been vocal about his off-season racing exploits, while Alex Bowman has also ventured into similar activities. However, Elliott has largely stayed within NASCAR’s boundaries.
This wasn’t always the case. Before joining Hendrick Motorsports to compete in NASCAR, Elliott made a name for himself in late-model stock car racing, particularly at historic short tracks across the U.S., including the prestigious Snowball Derby. Despite being a two-time winner of the event, Elliott won’t be participating in this week’s 57th running of the iconic race at Five Flags Speedway. While there’s no restriction from team owner Rick Hendrick, Elliott’s recent experiences with non-NASCAR activities haven’t been favorable.
Earlier in 2023, just weeks into the Cup Series season, Elliott broke his leg in a snowboarding accident ahead of the Las Vegas race. This incident sidelined him for six races, sparking debates about drivers engaging in risky activities outside their racing careers. Missing those races significantly impacted his season, leaving him struggling to secure a playoff spot. For the first time in his career, Elliott failed to make the playoffs. Adding to the challenges, he served a one-race suspension for retaliating against Denny Hamlin during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It’s safe to say 2023 was a career low point for Elliott, and his injury played a major role in derailing his season. This likely explains why he isn’t expected to appear at this year’s Snowball Derby.
Before his full-time NASCAR career began in 2016, Elliott had a different story at the Snowball Derby. He made history in 2011 by becoming the youngest driver to win the event, and he claimed another victory in 2015, just before transitioning to the Cup Series.
The Snowball Derby’s list of NASCAR-winning drivers is relatively short, adding to the race’s allure for both veteran and up-and-coming drivers. While Elliott won’t be competing this year, many NASCAR drivers will take part in the 57th edition, hoping to claim the coveted Tom Dawson Trophy. Predicting the winner, however, remains a challenge, as no single driver stands out as the clear favorite.
