🚨 BREAKING:
NASCAR Star Chase Elliott Refuses to Celebrate Pride Month — Says “WOKE” Doesn’t Deserve to Be Commemorated, Citing Personal Beliefs

In a move that’s sent shockwaves through both the racing world and broader sports community, NASCAR fan-favorite Chase Elliott has publicly declared that he will not be celebrating Pride Month, igniting a firestorm of backlash, support, and controversy.

Speaking during a pre-race press conference ahead of this weekend’s event in Charlotte, Elliott was asked whether he would be participating in NASCAR’s planned Pride Month outreach events, merchandise promotions, or community partnerships.

His answer was direct — and instantly polarizing:

“I’m not interested in all that WOKE stuff. I believe in racing, not social agendas. Pride Month isn’t something I feel needs to be commemorated.”

Asked to elaborate, Elliott added:

“I think we’ve reached a point where too many things are being forced into the sport. I have nothing against anyone personally, but I’m not going to pretend to support something just because it’s June.”

The comments, captured on camera and shared across NASCAR media channels, went viral within minutes. The reaction was explosive. Fans, fellow drivers, LGBTQ+ advocates, and sponsors quickly weighed in — and the divide was clear and fierce.

Outrage and Support Collide

On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #PrideInRacing, #ChaseElliott, and #NASCARBacklash began trending within the hour.

“Disappointed but not surprised. This is exactly why NASCAR needs more inclusive voices,” wrote one LGBTQ+ fan.
“He was my favorite driver. Not anymore,” another posted alongside a burning #9 hat.

But Elliott’s words also drew strong support from conservative circles, many of whom praised him for “standing firm in his values” and rejecting what they called “corporate virtue signaling.”

“Finally, a driver who won’t bow down to the mob,” one viral post read.

Sponsors and NASCAR Respond

As the backlash intensified, questions immediately turned to Elliott’s high-profile sponsors — including NAPA Auto Parts, Chevrolet, and Hooters — with fans flooding their social channels demanding statements.

By the end of the day, NASCAR issued an official response:

“NASCAR remains fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. While our drivers are entitled to personal views, the sport continues to stand with the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month and beyond.”

Elliott has not apologized, nor has he walked back his comments. Instead, he posted a short message on his Instagram Story:

“I’m not here to please everyone. I’m here to race.”

The post has since been shared thousands of times — both by supporters and critics.

The Bigger Picture

LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations like GLAAD and Racing Pride have condemned the remarks, urging NASCAR and its sponsors to take firmer action against what they describe as a “dangerous normalization of casual exclusion.”

“Silence is one thing. Open dismissal is another,” Racing Pride said in a statement. “Chase Elliott may not see the harm, but millions of LGBTQ+ fans and aspiring drivers feel it every time someone in his position chooses to speak this way.”

As Pride Month continues, many in the racing community are left asking a hard question:
Is this about personal values — or a public platform used to undermine a marginalized group?

And for NASCAR, a sport trying to modernize and expand beyond its traditional fan base, the pressure to act decisively is higher than ever.