At the pinnacle of American stock car racing, Chase Elliott has become a household name thanks to his 2020 Cup Series championship and a string of victories that keep fans cheering across the country. Yet, when the checkered flag drops, his attention often drifts to a quieter arena: the crystal‑clear streams of north Georgia, where he pursues fly‑fishing with the same intensity he brings to the track.
A Dual Passion
Elliott’s love of the sport began in childhood, sparked by evenings spent on the water with his father, former champion Bill Elliott, and family friends Curtis Colwell and Ernie Elliott. Those early moments planted a seed that grew into a lifelong hobby, one that mirrors the strategic thinking and focus required on the racetrack.
Living in Dawsonville, Georgia, rather than the typical racing hubs, Elliott remains deeply connected to his hometown community. Every time he secures a win, a siren from the local Dawsonville Pool Room blares through the streets, a tradition that celebrates his achievements and reinforces his ties to the area.
The region’s dense vegetation and cold mountain waters provide an ideal backdrop for catching native trout, a challenge that appeals to Elliott’s competitive nature. He describes the sport as a test of precision and patience, qualities that also serve him well when navigating high‑speed drafts on a superspeedway.
Beyond Georgia, Elliott’s fishing adventures have taken him to offshore waters off Florida and even to the rivers of Costa Rica, where he has pursued sailfish. One memorable catch — a 24‑inch trout that put up a fierce fight — stands out as one of the most demanding battles he’s faced, rivaling the intensity of a final lap battle.
For Elliott, the balance between roaring engines and tranquil rivers is more than a pastime; it is a reflection of his personality. The same drive that pushes him to the front of the pack also compels him to master the delicate art of presenting a fly, making each successful catch a victory in its own right.