Chase Elliott reacts to questionable title for fans of No. 9 driver, claims Bubba Wallace put it on his radar

Chase Elliott is a seven-time recipient of the NASCAR Cup Series Most Popular Driver award. With that means he has arguably the most passionate fanbase in the sport.

Together, many within his fanbase has dubbed themselves as “Chasesexuals.” If it weren’t for Bubba Wallace, Elliott wouldn’t have known it was an actual term.

“The only reason I know what this is, or I’ve heard of it, is because Bubba said that to me before,” Elliott told The Athletic‘s Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi during NASCAR Playoff Media Day Wednesday. “I don’t know the meaning behind it… but I kind of like — some sort of a fan club?”

Yes, it’s a fan club for those who love to cheer on Elliott every race day. When things go right for Elliott and the No. 9 team, they are loud. When things go wrong, they’re even louder. That’s how it goes when you’re a Chasesexual. While it’s far from Elliott’s radar, he’s OK with it.

“That’s OK,” Elliott said. “If that’s how they wanna roll, that’s cool. … Definitely not on my radar, but I’m happy for them.”

Chase Elliott set for another playoff run

Elliott, the 2020 Cup champion, is gearing up for another playoff run. The 2025 postseason gets underway with Sunday’s Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, and Elliott is one of the championship favorites after a regular season that saw him capture one checkered flag, while compiling 13 top 10s. While the car is different from the last time Elliott won the championship, he still believes that experience matters.

“I think the experience is good. I think it’s universal,” Elliott said, via HendrickMotorsports.com. “I think it helps probably more from a mental standpoint of just having been there before and understanding what it’s like, winning and losing. So, yeah, I think it’s good regardless. 

“I mean, I think the experiences live with you, whether you’re thinking about them or not, whether they’re good experiences or bad experiences. I think all those things help mold individuals as they carry on through life in and out of the car. But as it pertains to on-track performance and the moment right now, I always think it’s important to stay where your feet are.”