Chase Elliott spoke out after finishing third at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City on Sunday, responding to the growing discussion about introducing podium celebrations to NASCAR events. While podium ceremonies have become standard in series like Formula 1, IndyCar, and various dirt track races, they remain uncommon in NASCAR, which traditionally avoids them. Elliott addressed his thoughts on adopting this practice more widely following his involvement in the recent Mexico City race.
Before the Mexico City event, Kyle Larson suggested that NASCAR might benefit from occasional podium celebrations, especially during marquee events like the Daytona 500 or the Coca-Cola 600. Following this, Elliott was asked at Pocono Raceway about his position on the idea of podium presentations becoming part of NASCAR’s culture.
Elliott’s Mixed Feelings About Introducing Podiums in NASCAR
Reflecting on the podium appearance alongside winner Shane van Gisbergen and runner-up Christopher Bell at Mexico City, Elliott explained he is neither fully supportive nor opposed to the change. He emphasized respect for van Gisbergen’s achievement and appreciated being recognized for his own performance.
“Yeah, I am not really for it or against it,”
Elliott said.
“I am fine with it. I have no problem giving Shane (van Gisbergen) his congratulations and making sure that he is celebrated properly. He won the race. He deserved the right to that.”
He admitted that, like any competitor, he would have preferred to be the winner, but understood that podiums are not a norm in NASCAR. Elliott expressed openness to either embracing or rejecting the change depending on what best suits the sport’s identity.
“Me being the second loser, I can certainly get in there and make sure that I can appreciate the job that he did. I guess that is kind of what you are getting at. There is no doubt would I have rather that been me? Yeah, no question. It’s not normal for us, so I am okay with it. I am okay with doing it. I am okay with not doing it. If that is going to be a new thing, then totally fine and we can start a new tradition.”
He also stressed the importance of NASCAR maintaining its unique identity rather than simply copying other motorsports.
“But that has not historically been us. So I just want to make sure our focus is being us as NASCAR and that’s OK. We are our own form of motorsports and I think we can stand on our own two feet and we can do our own thing. So, as long as we are not doing it to be like everybody else, I am fine. But if that is the case, I am also good not doing it.”
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR driver
Background and Upcoming Races
The podium ceremony in Mexico City marked a rare departure from NASCAR’s typical post-race routine, borrowing elements more familiar to international racing fans. This event took place at a track that regularly hosts multiple forms of motorsport, including Formula 1, which frequently highlights drivers on podiums after the event.
As NASCAR continues its season, drivers including Elliott will compete at various tracks like Pocono Raceway, with upcoming race coverage scheduled to begin Sunday at 2 p.m. ET on Prime. Discussions like Elliott’s point to an ongoing conversation within the sport about balancing tradition with evolving fan expectations and presentation styles.
The feedback from top NASCAR figures such as Elliott and Larson suggests that while change is possible, there remains careful consideration about preserving what makes NASCAR distinct in the highly competitive world of motorsports.