"I wore it because I wanted to": Chase Elliott once playfully jabbed NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass over outfit question

Chase Elliott made a bold fashion statement at the 2021 NASCAR Championship Banquet in Nashville. When questioned by NASCAR veteran Bob Pockrass about his eye-catching attire, the driver playfully dismissed the query, stating that he chose the outfit simply because he wanted to.

Elliott has been driving for Hendrick Motorsports since 2016. The 28-year-old driver won his first and only NASCAR Cup Series championship title in 2020, beating championship contenders Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, and Brad Keselowski at the season finale in Phoenix.

When Pockrass questioned Elliott at the 2021 NASCAR Championship Banquet about where he got the outfit from and why he wore it, the Georgia native gave a straightforward answer, saying,

“I got it in the hat store […] and I wore it because I wanted to.”

Elliott was dressed in a navy blue suit, a white dress shirt, a tie, and a bowler hat. The ensemble was complemented by a pair of brown shoes and a matching brown belt, creating a stylish look

On the red carpet, the driver was also questioned about who chose his attire.

“I did, yeah,” Elliott said (via Kickin’ the Tires).

Elliot received his fourth consecutive National Press Association Most Popular Driver Award at the event. Meanwhile, HMS teammate Kyle Larson won the Cup Series championship that year. The driver, who won the championship in 2020, was also asked to share his thoughts on Larson’s title win. Here's what he said:

“I think for Kyle and Cliff and those guys just enjoying the week. I don’t think there’s really handing the reins over or anything. It’s just, you know, they did the best of anybody this year and they accomplished the ultimate goal and they should celebrate that. They have every right and are very deserving to do so.”

The 2021 season saw Larson join Hendrick Motorsports, alongside Elliott, Alex Bowman, and William Byron. In a thrilling championship finale at Phoenix, Larson outpaced championship contenders Elliott, Denny Hamlin, and Martin Truex Jr. to claim his first Cup Series championship title.

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Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson have been teammates since 2021

When Kyle Larson joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2021, Chase Elliott faced increased competition within the Concord-based outfit as they vied for wins.

In their first year together, Larson claimed the championship title, surpassing Elliott. While Elliott secured two wins, 15 top-5 finishes, and 21 top-10 placements, his new teammate achieved 10 wins, 20 top-5 finishes, and 26 top-10s.

In 2022, Elliott had a better season than Larson numbers-wise, finishing the season with five wins, 12 top-5s, and 20 top-10s. The No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro driver was also the only HMS driver to qualify for the Championship 4 but Joey Logano ultimately won the championship.

Elliott faced a challenging 2023 season, arguably the most difficult of his Cup Series career. An injury and a one-race suspension significantly impacted his performance, resulting in a winless season. Larson, on the other hand, ended as the runner-up.

This year, the two drivers, along with their two other Hendrick Motorsports teammates, have qualified for the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. So far, Elliott and Larson have been engaged in a close battle, with the No. 9 currently holding a two-position advantage over the No. 5 in the playoff standings.

The next race will be held at Bristol Motor Speedway, marking the third race of the Round of 16, scheduled for September 21.