Chase Elliott, NASCAR’s 2020 Cup Series champion and the sport’s golden boy, has been enduring one of the roughest stretches of his racing career. A season plagued by injuries, missed playoffs, and inconsistent performances has left fans divided, with some questioning his current form and others fiercely defending him. However, it seems Elliott’s well-documented flying skills have now become a target for lighthearted trolling by NASCAR fans, especially those rooting for rival drivers like Kyle Larson.
The trolling started on social media after Elliott’s latest disappointing finish in the NASCAR Cup Series, where fans sarcastically brought up his skills as a licensed pilot to mock his recent struggles behind the wheel.
“At Least He Can Fly a Plane”
Chase Elliott’s reputation as a pilot has long been a point of admiration among fans. With his private pilot’s license, Elliott is known to take to the skies on his own, flying to races and sponsor appearances. His aviation skills are impressive and serve as a testament to his discipline and versatility.
But as his on-track performance has faltered, fans have begun jokingly contrasting his flying prowess with his recent Cup Series form. One fan quipped, “Well, if racing doesn’t work out, Chase can always start a charter airline.” Another joked, “He might not win races anymore, but he can land a Cessna. That’s something.”
The jokes didn’t stop there. Some Larson fans, known for their fierce loyalty to the 2021 Cup champion, took it a step further. One comment that gained traction read, “Give Kyle Larson 30 minutes, and he’ll figure out how to fly better than Chase.” The post, while clearly a jab, reflects the ongoing rivalry between the fanbases of NASCAR’s two most popular drivers.
Kyle Larson’s Fans Add Fuel to the Fire
The rivalry between Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson has been a recurring narrative in NASCAR, especially since the two became teammates at Hendrick Motorsports. Larson’s meteoric rise, capped by his 2021 championship and multiple dominant wins, has left Elliott fans feeling the pressure to defend their driver’s status as Hendrick’s top star.
Larson’s fans, never ones to shy away from a bit of banter, were quick to pounce on Elliott’s piloting skills as a way to deflect attention from his aviation advantage. “Sure, Chase can fly a plane, but can he figure out how to finish in the top 5?” one fan teased.
Another Larson supporter added, “Kyle doesn’t need to fly; he’s too busy winning races while Chase is circling the airport.”
Elliott’s Dismal Season
The jokes and trolling come at a particularly difficult time for Elliott. After a snowboarding accident early in the season sidelined him for several weeks, Elliott has struggled to regain his form. Missing the playoffs for the first time in his Cup career, the Georgia native has faced mounting pressure to prove he’s still among the sport’s elite.
For a driver who has been the face of NASCAR since his championship win, the 2024 season has been nothing short of humbling. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, inconsistency and a lack of top-tier finishes have raised questions about his future dominance in the sport.
Elliott Fans Fight Back
Elliott’s loyal fanbase has not taken the trolling lightly. Many were quick to defend their driver, pointing out his achievements and his ability to bounce back from adversity.
One fan clapped back at the Larson comparisons, saying, “Let me know when Kyle can fly a plane and win a championship in the same lifetime. Until then, Chase owns him.”
Others highlighted Elliott’s broader contributions to the sport, from his popularity to his off-track endeavors, including his piloting skills. “Chase is more than a driver. He’s a well-rounded athlete and a role model. Let the haters hate,” another fan tweeted.
Why the Rivalry Matters
The banter between Elliott and Larson fans underscores the passion and loyalty that NASCAR fans bring to the sport. Both drivers are immensely talented, and their rivalry has added a layer of drama to NASCAR’s narrative in recent years.
While Elliott’s flying skills may be the current focus of jokes, they’re also a testament to his unique versatility as an athlete. Few NASCAR drivers can claim the ability to race at 200 mph and then take off in a plane at 500 mph.
What’s Next for Elliott?
As the 2024 season comes to a close, Chase Elliott faces an uphill battle to reclaim his status as NASCAR’s dominant force. With an entire offseason ahead, fans are hopeful that he’ll regroup, refocus, and return to his championship-winning form in 2025.
Whether he’s soaring in the sky or tearing up the track, Elliott’s talent and determination remain undeniable. For now, fans on both sides of the rivalry will keep the banter alive, adding a bit of humor to the high-stakes world of NASCAR.
And as for the challenge to Larson? Maybe someone should actually give him 30 minutes with a plane—just to see what happens.
