"I remember him treating me the same way" - When Chase Elliott reflected on his childhood relationship with Tony Stewart, citing Keelan Harvick

NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott shared his childhood experience on the track with Tony Stewart, eight years ago. Elliott started his full-time Cup Series season in the No. 24 car for Hendrick Motorsports in 2016. However, being the son of former NASCAR driver, Bill Elliott, he had been on the race tracks since he was young.

In an interview on The Rich Eisen Show in September that year, Elliott talked about how three-time Cup Series champion Stewart treated him when he was younger. He remembered how Stewart always made an effort to say hello and compared their relationship to Kevin Harvick's son, Keelan.

"He [Tony Stewart] was always one that was.. it kind of reminds me of the way Tony and Keelan Harvick are together now. I remember him treating me kind of the same way, always wanting to be buddies and taking time out of his day to make sure he said 'hey' to you, which, as a little kid, was really cool. So, Tony was that first guy that I was ever okay with pulling for, other than my dad, which was pretty special," Elliott said (03:40).

Elliott also revealed that Stewart, who has a reputation for pranking others, never played tricks on him.

"But he didn’t do that to me I got lucky," Chase Elliott said (04:35).

Elliott, who moved to full-size cars at the age of 12, stated that he needed wooden blocks to reach the pedals because he was too short.

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"It’s been a lot of fun. I'm excited" - Chase Elliott on first full-time Cup season in 2016

In the same interview, Chase Elliott also reflected on competing in the 24 car. At 21, Elliott took over the car after four-time Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon retired.

"It's been great. This has been such a good opportunity. I can't thank Mr. Hendrick enough for what he's done for me, for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to go out and race. I never believed it would all come together like it has. To be racing in Cup, have sponsors like NAPA, and the folks that make our deal go around—it’s been a lot of fun. I'm excited," Chase Elliott said (04:40).

Elliott was sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts, 3M, SunEnergy1, Kelley Blue Book, and Mountain Dew in 2016. He became the youngest person (21) to win the pole in the Daytona 500 with a speed of 196.314 mph and also qualified for the playoffs that year. He was eliminated after the Round of 12 and ended the season in 10th place.

Eliott also beat Chris Buescher and Ryan Blaney and won the 2016 Rookie of the Year award.