NASCAR’s most popular race car driver, Chase Elliott, won’t be a part of the Netflix docuseries Full Speed Season 2. Not all race car drivers are lucky to have an invitation to be featured in the series. 2-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch couldn’t make the cut. There might be criteria about drivers needing to make the playoffs to be featured, but Elliott isn’t sold on the idea.

When you speak about NASCAR, the first thing that comes to mind is the drivers and their racing legacy. Moreover, the fans connected with them based on their personalities and lifestyles. This was evident from the massive fan following the likes of Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, and Dale Jr. Apart from being great race car drivers, they were advocates and promoters of NASCAR racing.

Even the villain characters like Joey Logano, Kyle Busch, and Denny Hamlin play a role in promoting the sport. Now, NASCAR hasn’t had strong personality drivers who can carry the sport on their shoulders. And that is why they forged ties with Netflix, allowing the fans and audience to connect with the drivers better. This is part of the plan for NASCAR to get the stock car racing beyond its regional boundaries and attract new fans.

While most of them are open to this idea, Chase Elliott likes to be reserved, and this was evident from his choice to remain away from the documentary. Matt Weaver asked the HMS driver if he had a change of heart and featured in the Full Speed docuseries. Without going into details, Elliott answered with a simple, “Ah, no.” That’s it; he just didn’t want to be a part of what could be the next big thing for NASCAR.

Well, Elliott’s comments and rejection didn’t go down well with the race fans. Many of them turned against him and questioned if he really even held the title of NASCAR’s most popular driver.

Fans demand Elliott’s attention to non-sporting aspects of NASCAR racing

Chase Elliott hails from a racing family; being the son of Bill Elliott, he certainly climbed the ranks quickly in the sport. Moreover, driving for NASCAR’s winningest team, Hendrick Motorsports, also garnered widespread support from fans. Now, he didn’t ask any of it; rather, he inherited this fame or things worked out well in his favor. But, despite reaching the highest of the highs and enjoying the love from the fans his decision to ditch Full Speed has angered racing fans. “This is why I’ve always hated Elliott. Dude was literally born with a silver spoon in his mouth.”

As mentioned above, NASCAR isn’t able to promote its product or racing standing tall on the shoulders of a famous driver. Although Elliott is famous, he isn’t the one NASCAR would label as the poster child. This is where the Netflix docuseries can help the sport identify its true heroes, but Elliott’s decision highlights the major concern among the current generation of drivers. “and you wonder why we don’t have that modern jeff gordon jimmie johnson type pop culture knowledge…”

One user on X was baffled to see Elliott being voted as the most popular driver every year. The user argued that it’s only the traditional NASCAR fans who like Elliott, and he isn’t likely to put in the extra effort to help the sport grow. “Why do fans keep voting him most popular? He clearly isn’t willing to put in the work to be known outside of the core fan base.”

Even Dale Jr. had a shy and reserved personality at first, but he realized how his influence off-track could help the sport. This was highlighted by another fan after Elliott’s dismissal to feature on the Netflix docuseries. “How is this guy the most popular driver? Like I get, he’s being a normal dude, but his unwillingness to promote the sport on a major platform is ridiculous. Even Jr, who did not love the spotlight was willing to put himself out there.”

Even some of the hardcore fans have now come to realize how big of an opportunity Netflix offers to the drivers. Gone are the days when you would just race for wins and titles; fans want to connect with their favorite stars on a personal level. “Initially, I was more of drivers should be focused on winning a title and not playing for the cameras. But this hurts the growth of the sport,” a fan added.

It is indeed hard to call out Elliott for his personal decision not to feature in the documentary. But again, he is no ordinary race car driver, and his involvement in such a project would only boost NASCAR’s growth. Where do you stand in this debate? Do let us know in the comments.