Chase Elliott is known for his speed in NASCAR, but when he’s off the track, he embraces a different pace. Away from racing, you might find him fly fishing, playing golf, hiking in Colorado, or snowboarding.
For Elliott, these activities are not simply hobbies; they are a necessary escape. The NASCAR schedule is demanding, spanning almost the entire year from February to November. While 38 races might sound like a lot, Elliott points out it’s the length of the season that can be exhausting.
“You tell people, ‘Oh, well how many races are in a year?’ And you say, ‘Well, there’s 38,’ and they’re like, ‘Oh wow, that’s a lot,'” Elliott told OutKick. “But in my mind, it’s not. It’s not the 38 races that’s a lot. It’s the time span from February to November.”
Elliott emphasizes the importance of finding ways to reset and escape the grind. Without such escapes, drivers risk being overwhelmed, especially during challenging times.
Outdoors activities offer Elliott a chance to reset. He enjoys fly fishing, a skill he picked up from his father’s best friend and his uncle Ernie. He compares fly fishing to playing golf, noting that both are difficult pursuits that require mastering intricate details.
Elliott describes both golf and fly fishing as ongoing quests for mastery. He has a competitive streak and occasionally focuses on improving his skills, but acknowledges that to become truly great, he would need to divert attention from his racing career.
“Hopefully there will be a day and a time that I can commit to things that I want to get better at or want to try and master,” he shared.
Elliott spent part of his childhood in Colorado after his father, Bill Elliott, retired from full-time racing. Those years were filled with outdoor adventures. The environment provided endless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. Elliott recalls these years as a gift, emphasizing that there was always something to do outside.
“If you were bored, it was your own fault,” Elliott said.
He continues to visit Colorado when his racing schedule allows, taking advantage of nearby races to enjoy the mountains. Snowboarding remains a favorite activity for staying active, especially when hiking is involved.
Elliott understands the importance of life beyond racing. Although dedicated to his team and the demands of his profession, stepping away from racing periodically helps maintain a positive environment.
“I think for all of us, it’s important to break away when you can,” Elliott said. “And I think it’s good for the whole environment.”
The lesson is universal: sometimes you need to slow down, whether you’re a NASCAR driver or anyone else. Taking time to reset benefits everyone.