NASCAR driver Chase Elliott has emphasized the critical role of maintaining a life outside of racing to manage the mental and physical toll of the sport's extensive season. The former Cup Series champion stated that the nearly year-long commitment, spanning from February to November, can be overwhelming if drivers do not find effective ways to disconnect and reset.
"If you don't have ways to escape and ways to reset and do the things that you need to do to show up with the right mindset, I think it has a high potential to really eat you up," Elliott told OutKick OutDoors. "Especially when things aren't going good."
Elliott's chosen outlets for escape include fly fishing, golfing, hiking, and snowboarding. He picked up fly fishing after being influenced by family friends and appreciates the complexity and the pursuit of mastery inherent in the sport, comparing it to golf.
"It's just the craft of being good at it, and kind of that never-ending journey and never-ending search of trying to master something that will never be mastered," Elliott said of his outdoor pursuits. "And I think those two things fall in that category."
His experiences growing up in Colorado, where his father, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, lived after stepping away from full-time racing, instilled a deep appreciation for outdoor activities. Elliott recalls a childhood filled with opportunities for hiking, snowboarding, and skiing, emphasizing that boredom was a matter of personal choice.
Elliott believes that a complete immersion in racing is not necessarily the most effective approach to peak performance. He feels a responsibility to his team to perform at his highest level, understanding that his team members are equally dedicated. However, he also recognizes the benefit of stepping away.
"I think for all of us, it's important to break away when you can," Elliott said. "And I think it's good for the whole environment."