You’ve likely seen the red-and-white No. 9 car tearing up the asphalt on Sundays, but if you're asking who is Chase Elliott's father, you aren't just looking for a name. You're looking for a legend.
His name is Bill Elliott.
In the world of NASCAR, that name carries as much weight as Petty or Earnhardt. Bill isn't just "Chase’s dad." He’s a Hall of Famer, a Cup Series champion, and the man who literally redefined speed in the 1980s. People call him "Awesome Bill from Dawsonville," and if you’ve ever been to North Georgia, you know that town is basically a shrine to the Elliott family.
The Man Behind the Legend
Bill Elliott was born in 1955 in Dawsonville, Georgia. He didn't come from a massive corporate racing program. Honestly, the Elliott story is the ultimate "garage to glory" tale. His father, George Elliott, owned a Ford dealership and a speed shop. Bill, along with his brothers Ernie and Dan, built their own engines and chassis.
They were outsiders.
While the big teams were based in Charlotte, the Elliotts stayed in the Georgia mountains. That grit turned Bill into a powerhouse. By the time he was done, he had 44 Cup Series wins. That puts him 16th on the all-time wins list.
Why They Call Him "Million Dollar Bill"
The 1985 season was something out of a movie. NASCAR had just introduced the "Winston Million"—a $1 million bonus for any driver who could win three of the four "crown jewel" races in a single year.
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Most people thought it was impossible. Bill proved them wrong.
- He won the Daytona 500.
- He won the Winston 500 at Talladega.
- He capped it off by winning the Southern 500 at Darlington.
When he crossed that finish line at Darlington, he didn't just win a race. He became a national celebrity. He was the first NASCAR driver to ever appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. The nickname "Million Dollar Bill" stuck forever.
Records That Might Never Be Broken
If you think today’s cars are fast, you should’ve seen Bill in 1987. He set the qualifying record at Talladega at 212.809 mph.
Think about that.
He did the same thing at Daytona, hitting over 210 mph. Because of safety concerns and the introduction of restrictor plates shortly after, those speeds are effectively frozen in time. It is highly unlikely anyone will ever go faster in a stock car during an official session.
The Most Popular Driver (Period)
One of the most mind-blowing things about Chase Elliott's father is his relationship with the fans. Bill won the Most Popular Driver Award a record 16 times.
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He was so popular that he eventually asked fans to stop voting for him so someone else could have a turn. He basically retired from being liked too much. Chase has since picked up that mantle, winning the award multiple times himself, but the "Elliott" brand of fan loyalty started with Bill's quiet, humble demeanor.
Bill’s Influence on Chase’s Career
Chase didn’t just wake up one day and decide to drive. He grew up in the shop. He was six years old when he watched his dad win the 2002 Brickyard 400, one of Bill's final massive victories.
Bill didn't push him, though.
In interviews, Bill often mentions that he wanted Chase to do whatever made him happy. But when it became clear Chase had the "it" factor, Bill became his biggest mentor. He helped him understand the air—how the aerodynamics of these cars actually work.
When Chase won the Cup Series Championship in 2020, it made them only the third father-son duo in history to both win titles (joining the Pettys and the Jarretts).
What Most People Get Wrong
A common misconception is that Chase had it easy because of his dad. While the "Elliott" name opened doors, it also created massive pressure. Imagine trying to follow a guy who was literally nicknamed "Awesome."
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Bill’s career had its struggles, too.
He went years without winning after leaving his family-run team to start his own operation in the mid-90s. He lived through the highs of the 80s and the "dark ages" of the late 90s before a late-career resurgence with Ray Evernham. This perspective—knowing that racing is a cycle of ups and downs—is arguably the greatest gift he gave to Chase.
Actionable Takeaways for Racing Fans
If you're following the Elliott legacy today, here’s how to truly appreciate it:
- Watch Old Footage: Look up Bill's 1985 Winston 500. He made up two laps under green-flag conditions without a caution. It's statistically one of the most improbable feats in sports history.
- Visit Dawsonville: If you're ever in Georgia, go to the Dawsonville Pool Room. They blow a siren every time Chase wins, a tradition that started with Bill.
- Check the Stats: Don't just look at wins. Look at Bill’s 55 poles. He was a master of raw speed, something Chase has emulated in his own qualifying efforts.
Bill Elliott isn't just a retired driver; he’s the foundation of a dynasty that is still writing its history every weekend.
Next Steps: You can dive deeper into the Elliott legacy by exploring the NASCAR Hall of Fame records or visiting the Elliott Racing Heritage site to see the specific restoration projects Bill and his brothers are still working on today.