In the world of motorsports, where skill behind the wheel is king, few drivers can claim mastery of the skies as well. Chase Elliott, NASCAR’s 2020 Cup Series champion, is one of those rare athletes who dominates not only on the track but also in the cockpit of an airplane. While other racing superstars like Kyle Larson, Max Verstappen, and Shane van Gisbergen (SVG) excel in their respective series, Elliott’s unique talent as a pilot sets him apart in a way that fans—and critics—can’t ignore.
Chase Elliott: A Racer and a Pilot
Hailing from Dawsonville, Georgia, Chase Elliott is no stranger to the spotlight. As the son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, he was practically born to race. Yet, Chase’s interests extend beyond motorsports. When he’s not piloting his Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at 200 mph, he’s piloting airplanes thousands of feet in the air.
Elliott is a licensed private pilot, a skill he developed to make his demanding schedule as a professional driver more manageable. From hopping between races to attending sponsor events, his ability to take control of a plane adds a layer of independence and efficiency that few drivers can match.
The Aviation Edge
Elliott’s aviation skills give him an edge in more ways than one. NASCAR’s grueling schedule often requires cross-country travel, and having the ability to pilot himself offers flexibility that commercial flights or team charters can’t provide.
Moreover, being a pilot requires intense focus, quick decision-making, and an understanding of complex systems—all traits that translate seamlessly to racing. It’s no wonder Elliott has been so successful on the track; his time in the sky has only sharpened his abilities behind the wheel.
The Competition: Grounded but Exceptional
While Elliott takes to the skies, his racing contemporaries are firmly planted on the ground. Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup champion, is a dominant force in NASCAR and dirt track racing, but piloting an aircraft isn’t part of his repertoire.
Similarly, Formula 1’s Max Verstappen, a two-time world champion, and Shane van Gisbergen, a superstar in Australian Supercars and recent NASCAR winner, have no known aviation credentials. Their focus remains squarely on racing, which makes sense given their immense success.
However, the fact that these racing legends are grounded underscores just how unique Elliott’s skills are. In a sport that often rewards versatility, Elliott’s ability to master both cars and planes adds another layer to his legacy.
Fan Reactions: Checkmate, Critics
Elliott’s dual talents have become a point of pride for his fans, who are quick to point out that their favorite driver is not only a racing champion but also a licensed pilot. On social media, this has become a playful way to “checkmate” critics of Elliott or fans of other drivers.
“Chase Elliott is the only driver who can win a race and fly himself home. Larson can’t. Max can’t. SVG can’t. Checkmate,” one fan tweeted, highlighting Elliott’s unique abilities.
Another fan joked, “Other drivers may dominate on the track, but can they land a Cessna? Didn’t think so.”
While the comments are lighthearted, they highlight an important point: Elliott’s piloting skills add a unique dimension to his public persona, making him one of the most interesting figures in modern motorsports.
Flying High, Staying Humble
Despite his success on the track and in the cockpit, Elliott remains humble. Known for his quiet demeanor and focus on performance, he rarely boasts about his accomplishments, whether they involve checkered flags or cleared runways.
When asked about his piloting skills, Elliott often downplays them, stating that it’s simply a practical way to get around. But for fans, it’s another reason to celebrate the driver who continues to elevate NASCAR in more ways than one.
The Chase Elliott Legacy: On the Track and in the Skies
As NASCAR looks toward the future, Chase Elliott is solidifying his status as a fan favorite and one of the sport’s most versatile athletes. While his contemporaries focus solely on racing, Elliott’s ability to take to the skies gives him a unique edge—both practically and symbolically.
In a sport defined by speed, precision, and risk, Chase Elliott is proving that success isn’t just about what happens on the ground. Whether he’s behind the wheel or at the controls of a plane, Elliott continues to soar above the rest—literally and figuratively.
Checkmate, indeed.
