Chase Elliott Returns to His Old School to Surprise His High School Janitor with an SUV – What Happens Next Will Make You Cry

In a heartwarming moment that has NASCAR fans across the country shedding tears, Chase Elliott, one of the sport’s most beloved drivers, returned to his roots in Dawsonville, Georgia for a surprise that no one saw coming—but everyone is talking about.

Instead of a press event or fan meet-and-greet, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion made a quiet visit to his alma mater, Dawson County High School. But what happened next has taken over social media—and it’s not about racing. It’s about respect, humility, and an unforgettable act of gratitude.

The Man Behind the Scenes: Mr. Roy “Big Roy” Parker

For over 35 years, Mr. Roy Parker—affectionately known by students and staff as Big Roy—has kept Dawson County High spotless. More than a janitor, he’s been a counselor, motivator, and the first one in the building every morning. For Chase Elliott, he was a consistent light during those uncertain high school years.

“Mr. Roy was one of the first people to believe in me,” Elliott said in an emotional video shared to Instagram. “He didn’t care about trophies or lap times. He cared about how I treated people. That stuck with me.”

Mr. Roy’s signature phrase? “Be fast, but be kind.” It was something he’d often tell Chase before practice—and it became a motto the NASCAR champ says he still lives by.

The Moment That Left the School Speechless

What started as a normal school assembly took a turn when Chase Elliott took the microphone, dressed in jeans, boots, and a Dawsonville Varsity jacket. He thanked the teachers, gave a quick pep talk to the student-athletes, and then paused.

“There’s someone here today who never wore a helmet, never drove a race car, but taught me more about winning than most people ever will,” he said. “Mr. Roy, would you come up here, sir?”

Gasps filled the room as Mr. Roy, stunned and tearful, slowly walked toward the stage to a thunderous standing ovation. Then the gym doors opened—and in rolled a brand-new 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe, custom-painted in NASCAR black and yellow, complete with a Dawsonville horn and a red bow.

“This is for you, Mr. Roy. For every trash can emptied, every hallway mopped, and every kid you believed in—including me,” Elliott said, placing the keys in his hands.

Mr. Roy fell to his knees in shock, his face buried in his hands. The gymnasium erupted into cheers and tears, with students chanting “Big Roy! Big Roy!”

The Internet’s Heart Just Melted

The emotional moment was filmed by a student and shared to TikTok, where it racked up over 40 million views in just two days. Comments poured in:

• “I came here for NASCAR. I stayed for the tears.”

• “Janitors are the real MVPs of every school. This man deserves it all.”

• “This is what true greatness looks like. Chase Elliott = class act.”

The hashtag #ThankYouRoy trended on X (formerly Twitter), and fans from across the NASCAR world shared stories of janitors and school staff who changed their lives.

A New Chapter for Mr. Roy

In an interview with a local news station, Mr. Roy revealed he’d been taking the bus to work for over a year after his old car broke down. He never complained.

“I didn’t need much. I had my broom, my keys, and my kids—that’s what I call the students,” he said. “But this? This is more than a gift. It’s a blessing.”

Chase didn’t stop at the SUV. He also announced the creation of the “Big Roy Legacy Fund”, a $25,000 annual scholarship for Dawson County students pursuing trade careers—something Mr. Roy had always championed.

“Not every kid wants to be a racer,” Elliott said. “Some want to build things, fix things, make things better. Just like Mr. Roy.”

A Victory Bigger Than Any Checkered Flag

In a sport known for speed, this moment was all about slowing down and recognizing the people who helped shape the journey.

Chase Elliott didn’t just return home. He rewrote the script on what it means to be a hometown hero.

His message was clear: You don’t need a trophy to be a champion. You just need a heart big enough to lift others.

So the next time you see a school janitor, a lunch lady, or a bus driver—remember Mr. Roy. And remember that greatness begins with gratitude.