Chase Elliott’s Outdoor Passions: Balancing Racing and Leisure
Chase Elliott is known for his speed on the track, but when he takes a break, he often turns to outdoor activities like fly fishing, golf, hiking in Colorado, or snowboarding.
For Elliott, these escapes are more than just hobbies; they are essential for maintaining balance amidst a rigorous racing schedule. The NASCAR Cup Series champion drives the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet and understands the demands of the sport.
NASCAR’s schedule is grueling, spanning February to November, rather than just its 38 races. Elliott highlights how this extended period can wear on a driver, emphasizing the importance of finding ways to mentally refresh and stay engaged.
“If you don’t have ways to escape and reset, you risk getting consumed by the pressure,” Elliott says. For him, outdoor activities serve this purpose well.
Having grown up around avid fly fishermen like his uncle Ernie, Elliott took a liking to the sport, admiring its challenging nature akin to golf. Both activities demand precision and offer a lifelong pursuit of mastery.
“It’s just the craft of trying to master something that will never be mastered,” Elliott says about fly fishing and golf.
Elliott recognizes the time commitment required to master golf would detract from his professional duties. Thus, he remains lovingly engaged in these pursuits without intense competition.
His passion for the outdoors is rooted in his upbringing. Elliott lived in Colorado during his father’s hiatus from racing, fostering a love for outdoor activities like snowboarding and skiing.
Summers meant endless possibilities outdoors, while winters offered snow sports challenges. Elliott recalls hiking for fresh snow tracks with friends during these years, an activity he still cherishes.
Even now, Elliott seeks opportunities to return to Colorado and embraces activities that require effort and engagement beyond racing. Snowboarding offers him physical activity and a chance to explore nature.
Chase Elliott emphasizes that finding balance outside of racing is crucial. Despite commitment to his team, he knows that completely immersing himself in work is not sustainable.
Breaking away is beneficial for everyone, including Elliott. It’s about nurturing a healthy environment where both professional and personal passions coexist.