CHASE ELLIOTT STUNS FANS: Rejects Elon Musk’s $10 Million Offer with Powerful Message at Darlington

In a moment that has left the NASCAR community and beyond reeling, Chase Elliott, the 2020 Cup Series champion and driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, has made headlines by rejecting a staggering $10 million offer from billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. The announcement came on April 3, 2025, during an emotional press conference at Darlington Raceway, where Elliott was already grappling with the heartbreaking decision to withdraw from the Goodyear 400 due to his father Bill Elliott’s declining health. With tears in his eyes, Elliott delivered a powerful statement that has sparked widespread discussion: “Keep it and spend it on something that actually helps people.”

The offer from Musk, the tech mogul behind Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, reportedly stemmed from his admiration for Elliott’s resilience and leadership in NASCAR, particularly following Elliott’s recent win at the 2025 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium and his consistent performance this season, where he sits third in the Cup Series standings. Musk, known for his bold gestures and support for high-profile figures, allegedly reached out to Elliott with the $10 million proposal, which sources suggest was tied to a potential endorsement deal or a charitable initiative linked to one of Musk’s ventures. While the exact details of the offer remain unclear, Elliott’s rejection has turned the spotlight on his values and priorities during a deeply personal time.

Elliott’s decision to turn down the money comes on the heels of his withdrawal from the Goodyear 400, a race he was set to compete in with a throwback paint scheme honoring Ken Schrader. The 29-year-old driver revealed that his father, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, is battling a serious illness, prompting Chase to step away from the track to be by his side. “My father’s health is failing,” Elliott said in a tearful statement earlier that day, a sentiment that set the tone for his response to Musk’s offer. When asked about the $10 million proposal, Elliott, still visibly emotional, didn’t hesitate. “Keep it and spend it on something that actually helps people,” he said, his voice steady despite the tears. “There are so many out there who need it more—families struggling with medical bills, kids who can’t afford school supplies, communities rebuilding after disasters. That’s where this money should go.”

The racing world has been quick to react to Elliott’s decision, with fans and peers alike praising his selflessness. On social media, one fan wrote, “Chase Elliott is a class act. Turning down $10 million to focus on family and real causes? That’s a champion.” Another added, “This is why he’s the Most Popular Driver. He gets it.” Elliott’s rejection echoes a growing trend among athletes who are using their platforms to advocate for social change, prioritizing purpose over profit. His words resonate with a broader call for impactful philanthropy, especially at a time when his family is facing its own challenges.

Elliott’s legacy in NASCAR is already cemented, with a championship, seven consecutive Most Popular Driver awards from 2018 to 2024, and a reputation as one of the sport’s most grounded stars. His decision to reject Musk’s offer only deepens the respect he commands. Hendrick Motorsports issued a statement supporting Elliott’s choices, both in withdrawing from the race and declining the money: “Chase’s focus on family and his commitment to making a difference reflect the values we hold dear. We stand with him.” As Darlington prepares for the Goodyear 400 without one of its biggest stars, Elliott’s actions off the track have left an indelible mark, proving that true greatness extends far beyond the finish line.