Bill Elliott may have stepped away from racing in NASCAR full-time, but he isn't done racing just yet. The NASCAR Hall of Famer is all set to get back into his racing suit in August, and his son Chase Elliott has shared his thoughts about the same. 

In light of America’s 250th anniversary, the International Race of Champions, also known as IROC, is all set to make a one-off appearance in Washington, DC, on August 22. It will be a support race during IndyCar’s Freedom 250 GP weekend, and Bill Elliott is one of the participants alongside several NASCAR and IndyCar icons.

During his media availability at Chicagoland, Chase Elliott was asked how cool it would feel to see his father continue racing even in his 70s. He replied: 

"Yeah, I know, it is. I don't know why (smiles). I think he really enjoys racing, and honestly, I think for him, I really think he and Ray (Evernham, IROC executive director) are such good buddies, and I think when Ray asks him to go do something, it's really hard for him to say no if you want the real, honest answer."

Elaborating on his father's love for racing, he added (via Cup Scene on YouTube):

"But he does, he does enjoy driving. You know, I don't think in his mind it's a super competitive thing. I think he just enjoys getting out there and making laps, and I do think he pushes himself for sure."

Known as "Awesome Bill from Dawsonville," Bill Elliott made his debut in 1975 and had nearly 44 race wins and 55 poles. He won his first and only Cup Series championship in 1988 with 15 top fives, including six wins.

Chase Elliott narrowly misses out on O’Reilly race win at Chicagoland

Driving for JR Motorsports in the O'Reilly race, Chase Elliott could sniff victory on Saturday, but the opportunity to stand in victory lane was stripped from him in overtime. After a five-hour delay to the O’Reilly race because of rain, it was Joe Gibbs Racing's Brandon Jones who eventually won the race.

However, it was not an easy win. For most of the race, Elliott placed himself in the top five and also won Stage 2. But he fell short of a win in the last few laps, as, while approaching the white flag, Jones took the inside line to overtake him.

Thereon, the No. 20 Toyota driver defended his position to take his first win of the 2026 season and the third for JGR. Chase Elliott was forced to settle for second place despite leading a race-high 78 out of the 201 scheduled laps.

For the Cup race on Sunday, the Hendrick Motorsports driver will start in ninth place.

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Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Yash Kotak