Chase Elliott dedicates most of his year to speeding past competitors. Yet, when he finds time to decelerate, he enjoys activities like fly fishing, golfing, hiking in Colorado, or snowboarding. These pursuits are crucial for Elliott—more than mere pastimes.
Elliott, former NASCAR Cup Series champion, recognizes that the intensity of NASCAR’s schedule demands periods of relaxation and escape. He believes it’s essential for mental clarity, especially when facing challenging times.
“If you don’t have ways to escape and reset, it can really eat you up,” Elliott said. This necessity is shaped by the grueling NASCAR calendar, extending from February to November.
Though participating in 38 races annually, Elliott explains that it’s not the number of races, but the long period these cover that challenges drivers. This time span entails constant traveling, preparation, and racing in a fiercely competitive environment.
For Elliott, outdoor activities facilitate his much-needed reset. Raised by his father’s best friend and uncle Ernie, both enthusiastic fly fishermen, he adopted the hobby. Elliott likes fly fishing due to its complexity and is also fond of golf, despite his ongoing struggle to master it.
He likens fly fishing to golf, noting the demands of technique and persistence which make both activities engaging. Even when executed perfectly, achieving expertise remains elusive.
Elliott’s love for the outdoors is broader. As a child, he lived in Colorado after his father, Bill Elliott, retired from racing. Those years offered constant outdoor adventures, which he treasures.
“If you were bored, it was your own fault,” Elliott recalled, contrasting his active childhood with peers who might have favored video games.
Summers included numerous activities, while winters offered snowboarding and skiing. The joy of discovering untouched snow often meant hiking further up the mountain beyond the typical ski lifts.
Whenever possible, Elliott returns to Colorado to enjoy its outdoor offerings. His racing schedule occasionally allows extended stays during western events.
Snowboarding remains a favorite, especially when it involves hiking to access the best spots, rather than using a lift. The primary goal of these activities is to refresh—providing a necessary break from the demanding race season.
Elliott emphasizes he remains committed to his team, striving for peak performance. He believes detaching from racing periodically is beneficial—not just for him but for the entire team environment.
“For all of us, it’s important to break away when you can,” Elliott asserted, suggesting it enhances the racing atmosphere.
It’s an important reminder that taking time to unwind is vital for everyone, including dedicated NASCAR drivers.
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