NASCAR driver Chase Elliott has revealed a bold idea that could “make people hungrier” for the sport. The suggestion could also offer drivers some much-needed time off in their busy schedule.
There has been much talk about NASCAR’s popularity and how the sport has been collaborating with digital media to boost fan numbers. But with drivers having only one off weekend in the entire regular Cup Series, Elliott proposed that they be given more breaks in between, a practice that would push fans to want more of NASCAR. Pitching the “healthy” idea, he said on The Teardown podcast:
“Increasing the off-weekends for everyone, and I think it would be a win for everyone and make people hungrier for what we have and what we do. So I think it’ll be a healthy thing.”
When asked by Jordan Bianchi if the long season affected him, Elliott highlighted that it would affect the truck drivers the most. He said:
Chase Elliott speaks with the media during NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Media Day at Charlotte Convention Center on August 27, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Chase Elliott speaks with the media during NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Media Day at Charlotte Convention Center on August 27, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
“I think it’s natural. A little bit. Probably not as much as it could be in certain roles, like I’m thinking about the truck drivers and the guys that are on the road constantly.
“I think that would definitely be a really tough spot. I give those guys a lot of credit, like that whole Mexico City to Pocono (2,528 miles) deal this year was just incredible. I felt terrible for what they had to endure to make those shows go on. And they are the reason the show does go on, and I think that’s always important to remember.”
NASCAR veteran driver Kyle Busch recently addressed the sport’s alleged popularity problem, saying that it is more of a cultural issue and a drop in the number of race fans today. Newsweek Sports reported his comments:
“That’s a tough one. I think it’s a culture problem, and I say that in regard to the world culture. In the ’80s and ’90s, you had a bunch of Hot Rod guys who were cool with souping up their 1970s, 1980s street rods. A lot of those guys are aged out.
“I just think the problem we’re running into is there’s not a lot of race fans anymore. People would always bring their kids to the track, but now there are just so many other things people can do otherwise. Going to the lake, taking your kids to a bounce house.
“No offense, but we just stood outside, right? It’s 90-something degrees outside. Who wants to sit in metal bleachers under the sun for three hours? If you’re out there, God bless you. More power to you. I appreciate that. We need to do more for those people who are here and who give us their time and their money. But you’re not going to find me out there.”