Chase Elliott is one of the most popular drivers in American motorsports. Known for his performances in the NASCAR Cup Series, he has built a successful career with Hendrick Motorsports and earned millions of fans through his racing achievements. Driving the No. 9 Chevrolet, Elliott continues to attract attention for his competitive performances, championship history, and latest NASCAR developments.
In November 2026, interest in Chase Elliott has increased following his difficult race at Homestead-Miami Speedway and his decision to withdraw from the NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award competition. These developments have brought renewed attention to his career and personal life.
From his age and family background to his racing statistics, relationship status, and future plans, here is a closer look at everything fans should know about the NASCAR star.
Who Is Chase Elliott?
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Chase Elliott, whose full name is William Clyde Elliott II, is an American professional stock car racing driver. He was born on November 28, 1995, in Dawsonville, Georgia.
He competes in the NASCAR Cup Series for Hendrick Motorsports, driving the No. 9 Chevrolet. Elliott comes from a famous racing family, as his father, Bill Elliott, is a former NASCAR Cup Series champion and Hall of Fame driver.
Growing up around motorsports helped Chase develop an interest in racing at an early age. He gradually progressed through different racing categories before reaching NASCAR’s top division.
Today, Elliott is recognized for his road-course ability, competitive driving style, and achievements at the highest level of stock car racing.
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Why Is Chase Elliott Trending in November 2026?
Chase Elliott has been attracting attention because of several recent NASCAR developments. His performance in the Homestead-Miami Speedway finale and his decision involving the Most Popular Driver Award have become major talking points among racing fans.
What Happened at Homestead-Miami Speedway?
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During the November 8, 2026, NASCAR Cup Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Elliott experienced a disappointing setback.
He started the race in seventh position and showed competitive speed during the early stages. He finished 10th in the opening stage and eighth in the second stage, collecting valuable stage points.
However, a pit-road incident caused front-end damage to his No. 9 Chevrolet. Elliott questioned his team over the radio as they discussed the chain reaction involving other cars.
The damage affected his performance during the remaining laps, and he eventually finished 22nd.
Although the result was frustrating, his earlier pace showed that the Hendrick Motorsports team had the potential to compete near the front.
Why Did He Step Away From the Most Popular Driver Award?
Another major Chase Elliott story involved his decision to withdraw from the 2026 NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award competition.
Elliott had won the award eight consecutive times between 2018 and 2025. However, he decided not to seek the 2026 honor and encouraged fans to recognize the late Kyle Busch instead.
His decision attracted attention throughout the NASCAR community. It also reflected a tradition of sportsmanship, as his father, Bill Elliott, had previously stepped aside from the award competition following Dale Earnhardt’s death in 2001.
On November 10, NASCAR announced Kyle Busch as the 2026 Most Popular Driver. The recognition was a significant moment for his fans and the wider racing community.
Chase Elliott’s NASCAR Career and Championship Success
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Elliott built his professional career through years of competition in different racing categories. His early success in the NASCAR Xfinity Series helped him earn a place among the sport’s most promising young drivers.
His major career achievements include:
- 2014: Won the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship at age 18.
- 2016: Earned NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year honors.
- 2018: Secured his first Cup Series victory at Watkins Glen.
- 2020: Won the NASCAR Cup Series championship.
- 2022: Captured the regular-season championship.
- 2025: Won the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.
- 2026: Recorded two Cup Series victories at Martinsville and Texas.
His 2020 championship was a defining moment. Winning the season finale at Phoenix Raceway made him a Cup Series champion and placed him alongside his father, Bill Elliott, in NASCAR history.
His success demonstrates how he has developed his own identity while continuing the Elliott family’s racing legacy.
What Car Does Chase Elliott Drive?
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Chase Elliott drives the No. 9 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The car is easily recognizable because of its number and sponsorship designs. The No. 9 also has historical importance because Bill Elliott used the same number during much of his racing career.
His team is led by crew chief Alan Gustafson, who works with Elliott on car setup, pit-road decisions, tire management, and race strategy.
Elliott’s partnership with Hendrick Motorsports has been an important part of his success. The organization extended his contract through the 2027 season, providing continuity as he continues competing for major NASCAR achievements.
Chase Elliott’s 2026 Season Performance and Statistics
The 2026 NASCAR season brought Elliott two victories and several competitive finishes. However, inconsistent results in some races affected his final championship position.
His season statistics include:
NASCAR statistic2026 result
Final driver ranking 12th
Race starts 36
Race wins 2
Top-five finishes 8
Top-10 finishes 13
Laps led 318
His victories at Martinsville Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway were among the season’s biggest highlights.
Although he did not finish among the championship’s top contenders, his results demonstrated that the No. 9 team remained capable of winning races.
Chase Elliott’s Family and Relationship With Bill Elliott
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Chase Elliott is the son of Bill Elliott, one of NASCAR’s most respected former drivers. Bill won the 1988 NASCAR Cup Series championship and became a major figure in American stock car racing.
Growing up in Dawsonville, Georgia, Chase had an early introduction to professional motorsports. His father’s experience helped him understand the demands of racing, although Chase established his own reputation through his performances.
Their shared championship achievements make the Elliott family an important part of NASCAR history.
Their connection also appeared in the 2026 Most Popular Driver Award story, when Chase made a decision similar to one his father had made years earlier.
What Is Known About Chase Elliott’s Personal Life?
Unlike some professional athletes, Elliott generally keeps his private life away from media attention.
He rarely discusses romantic relationships in detail and prefers to focus public attention on racing. Reports have previously linked him to Ashley Anderson, but details about his current relationship status should be treated carefully unless confirmed by Elliott himself.
Outside NASCAR, he enjoys activities such as flying, snowboarding, and wakeboarding. These interests give fans a glimpse of his life beyond the race track.
What Lies Ahead for Chase Elliott in 2027?
Following the end of the 2026 season, Elliott’s attention will turn toward preparing for another NASCAR Cup Series campaign.
His priorities will include improving consistency, building on his two victories, and working with Hendrick Motorsports to develop a competitive No. 9 Chevrolet.
His contract through 2027 provides stability, while his experience and championship background give him a strong foundation for another title challenge.
Fans will be watching to see whether he can convert his race-winning potential into another championship opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chase Elliott
How old is Chase Elliott in 2026?
Chase Elliott is 30 years old in November 2026. He was born on November 28, 1995, and will turn 31 later this month.
Is Chase Elliott married or does he have a wife?
There is no publicly confirmed marriage for Chase Elliott as of November 2026. He keeps his personal life private and has not publicly announced a wife.
What happened to Chase Elliott in his latest NASCAR race?
In the November 8 Homestead-Miami Speedway finale, Elliott suffered front-end damage during a pit-road incident. He finished 22nd after showing strong speed earlier in the race.
Does Chase Elliott currently have a girlfriend?
Chase Elliott has previously been linked to Ashley Anderson in media reports. However, he has not consistently shared details about his current relationship status, so it is best not to treat unconfirmed reports as established facts.
Why are NASCAR fans talking about Chase Elliott recently?
His recent Homestead race incident and decision to withdraw from the 2026 Most Popular Driver Award competition have generated attention. His two victories during the 2026 season have also kept him in NASCAR discussions.
Final Thoughts
Chase Elliott has established himself as one of NASCAR’s most recognizable drivers through championship success, race victories, and his long-standing partnership with Hendrick Motorsports.
The 2026 season brought both achievements and challenges. His two victories demonstrated his competitive ability, while the Homestead incident provided a disappointing end to the campaign. His decision involving the Most Popular Driver Award also showed another side of his connection to the NASCAR community.
With his No. 9 Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports partnership continuing into 2027, Elliott remains a driver worth watching as he pursues another championship.
SOURCE: Wikipedia
