As NASCAR’s most popular driver, Chase Elliott carries a massive following wherever he goes, but there’s one place that holds an even more special meaning for him: Atlanta Motor Speedway. The Dawsonville native, currently ranked among the top drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series, has delivered countless thrilling moments for racing fans across the country. However, when it comes to his home track, there’s a certain magic and energy that makes it a little extra special. With 19 wins in the Cup Series and a former NASCAR Cup Series championship to his name, Elliott is hoping to add another victory to his already impressive list of accomplishments, all while making his Georgia-based supporters proud.
A Special Connection with Atlanta Motor Speedway
For many athletes, playing or competing at their home venue can ignite a sense of pride and motivation. For Elliott, that connection runs deep. Growing up just a short drive away from the famed Atlanta Motor Speedway in the small town of Dawsonville, Georgia, Elliott’s racing roots have always been intertwined with the track. His father, Bill Elliott, a NASCAR Hall of Famer and former Cup Series champion, was one of the sport’s most beloved drivers, and their legacy is embedded in the rich history of racing in Georgia.
Atlanta Motor Speedway, located in Hampton, Georgia, has long been a destination for NASCAR fans, with its steep, high-banked turns, long straightaways, and unique layout. The track has been a testing ground for many legendary drivers, but for Chase Elliott, it holds a very personal connection. It’s the place where he grew up watching his father race and where his dreams began to take shape.
In recent years, Atlanta Motor Speedway has undergone several changes, including a major reconfiguration of its racing surface to promote more exciting racing and enhance the competition. While the changes have brought new energy to the track, they’ve also created a unique challenge for drivers who must adapt to a different racing environment. For Elliott, however, the adjustment to the new configuration has felt almost like a homecoming.
“Every time I race here, I feel like I’m racing with the support of my hometown behind me,” Elliott said in a recent interview. “It’s a track that’s given me a lot over the years, and I’m always looking forward to coming back here, especially with the fans who have supported me from day one. The energy here is like no other.”
A 19-Time Winner with a Championship to His Name
Chase Elliott’s rise in the NASCAR ranks has been nothing short of spectacular. From his rookie year in 2016, it was clear that Elliott was a driver to watch. His natural talent, combined with a strong racing pedigree, quickly earned him respect on the track. He won his first Cup Series race in 2018 at Watkins Glen, a victory that set the tone for an increasingly successful career.
With 19 Cup Series wins under his belt and a 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Championship, Elliott has proven time and again that he belongs among the elite in NASCAR. As the sport’s most popular driver, a title awarded by fan votes year after year, Elliott is a fan favorite, both on and off the track. His humble demeanor, dedication to the sport, and close connection with his supporters have made him a beloved figure not just in Georgia, but across the nation.
However, despite his success, one thing continues to elude Elliott: a victory at his home track, Atlanta Motor Speedway. While he has come close on numerous occasions, including finishing as the runner-up in the 2021 race, the win has proven to be elusive. But Elliott remains optimistic that his time will come.
“I’m always pushing for that win here,” Elliott explained. “It’s something that means a lot to me, and I know it would mean a lot to my fans and family. We’ve had some close calls in the past, but I’m hopeful that one day we’ll be able to celebrate a win here.”
Recent Changes at Atlanta Motor Speedway: A New Challenge for Elliott
In 2022, Atlanta Motor Speedway underwent a major transformation. The track’s surface was repaved and reconfigured, bringing it closer to the characteristics of a superspeedway. The traditional oval layout was altered to feature more banking in the turns, creating a layout that mirrors a combination of Daytona and Talladega. The changes were designed to improve the racing experience for both drivers and fans, to increase competitiveness and create more thrilling, high-speed action.
For Elliott, the changes have presented a new challenge. While he’s a veteran driver with a wealth of experience, the reconfiguration of the track has required him and his team to adapt quickly to the new conditions. The increased banking and tighter racing pack mean that drivers must employ new strategies to stay competitive.
“We’ve had to work hard to adjust to the changes here,” Elliott said. “The new surface and layout create a different kind of racing. It’s fast, it’s intense, and it requires a lot of focus and precision. But that’s what I love about the challenge. It makes every lap count, and you really have to be on your game.”
Despite the learning curve, Elliott has consistently shown that he can adapt to changes and rise to the occasion. He’s always been known for his ability to read the track, communicate with his team, and find ways to excel in any given situation. As one of NASCAR’s most versatile drivers, the challenges posed by the reconfiguration of Atlanta Motor Speedway are just another hurdle that Elliott is ready to tackle.
Georgia’s Favorite Son and His Supporters
Chase Elliott’s popularity in Georgia is undeniable. The state has embraced him as one of their own, and every time he takes to the track at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the support is palpable. Fans fill the stands wearing his signature No. 9 gear, waving flags, and chanting his name. The atmosphere at the track is electric, as the crowd cheers on their favorite driver.
“I’ve been coming to races here for years, and every time Chase takes to the track, the energy is incredible,” said one longtime fan. “It feels like the whole town is behind him. You can see the pride on the faces of everyone around you. It’s a special place for all of us.”
This deep connection with his fans is something that Elliott values immensely. He’s often seen interacting with supporters, signing autographs, and sharing moments with those who have followed his career from the beginning. For Elliott, it’s not just about winning races—it’s about creating memories with the people who have supported him through thick and thin.
“The fans here are amazing,” Elliott said. “I know how much they care, and I care about them just as much. When I’m racing at home, I’m racing for them. They’ve been with me from the start, and they’re a big part of why I do what I do.”
A Final Push for Victory
As the 2025 NASCAR season progresses, Chase Elliott is determined to add to his already impressive list of victories. His goal is to earn another win at Atlanta Motor Speedway, a place that has been the backdrop for so many of his memories, both as a fan and as a driver. With each race, he’s one step closer to achieving that goal, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
For Elliott, the challenge of winning at his home track represents more than just another notch in his career. It’s an opportunity to give back to the fans who have supported him through the years and to honor the legacy of his father, Bill Elliott, whose own career at Atlanta Motor Speedway is legendary.
“The legacy my dad created here is something I’m incredibly proud of,” Elliott said. “Winning at this track would mean the world to me and my family. We’ve had a lot of close calls, but I believe the time will come. I’m not giving up.”
As Elliott prepares for another race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, his fans will be right there with him, cheering him on and hoping that this time, he’ll cross the finish line first. Whether it’s in the next race or in the future, one thing is certain: Chase Elliott will continue to chase victory at his home track until he gets it. And when that day comes, it will be a celebration like no other.