NASCAR BOMBSHELL: Elon Musk Says If Chase Elliott Doesn’t Partner With Tesla, He Will Ban Chase Elliott’s Family From Buying Teslas in the Future
Charlotte, NC — In a bizarre twist of motorsport drama, Elon Musk has once again stirred controversy — this time targeting NASCAR superstar Chase Elliott. The Tesla CEO issued a stunning ultimatum: either partner with Tesla, or your entire family is banned from ever owning a Tesla vehicle.
Yes, you read that right. Not just Chase Elliott. His whole family.
“If Chase Elliott doesn’t believe in the future of American racing, then the Elliott family has no place behind the wheel of a Tesla — ever,” Musk declared in a now-viral tweet posted Monday morning.
The internet, predictably, exploded.
The Alleged Tesla x NASCAR Vision
Sources close to the situation reveal that Musk has been eyeing NASCAR sponsorship opportunities for months, with a vision of Tesla-branded stock cars, AI-powered pit crew tech, and EV demo laps during race weekends. At the top of his driver wish list? Chase Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion and arguably the sport’s most marketable star.
Musk reportedly approached Elliott’s team earlier this year with a multi-million-dollar ambassador offer to become the face of Tesla’s push into the motorsport world.
But Elliott, a long-time Chevrolet loyalist and proud face of traditional racing culture, politely declined — a decision that didn’t sit well with the outspoken billionaire.
Elon Musk’s Public Meltdown
After weeks of silence, Musk went scorched earth in a tweet that’s now been viewed more than 12 million times:
“Chase Elliott has decided legacy matters more than innovation. That’s fine. But starting today, no member of the Elliott family will ever own a Tesla. We don’t support anti-EV mindsets.”
That was followed by another jab:
“You can’t win the race of the future driving backwards.”
Racing Community Responds: “He’s Lost It”
The backlash was immediate.
🏁 “You can’t ban a man’s family from buying a car brand. Is Elon auditioning for NASCAR’s biggest villain?” — @RubbinIsRacin
🏁 “This is the most Elon thing ever. Make an offer, get rejected, go nuclear.” — @OvalObsessed
🏁 “Chase Elliott fans don’t drive Teslas anyway. We drive trucks.” — @GeorgiaRacer88
Even former NASCAR drivers weighed in. Dale Earnhardt Jr. tweeted simply:
“I love technology. I don’t love threats.”
The Elliott Family: Unbothered
As for the Elliotts, neither Chase nor his legendary father Bill Elliott has issued an official response. But a close friend of the family told ESPN:
“Chase isn’t into theatrics. He’s into racing. And he’s not selling out for a gimmick.”
Chase later posted a cryptic Instagram story showing him driving a classic Chevy Camaro with the caption:
“Heritage matters.”
Tesla Fans and Investors Divided
Some Tesla fans supported Musk’s hard stance, calling it “visionary.” Others, including Tesla shareholders, were less impressed:
💬 “This kind of pettiness damages the brand more than it helps. NASCAR fans are car loyalists. You don’t bully them into switching.” — @EVMarketWatch
💬 “We want EV adoption. Not EV feuds.” — @GreenAutoInvestor
Meanwhile, Ford, Chevy, and Dodge fans had a field day with memes mocking Musk’s outburst.
NASCAR Officials Stay Silent
So far, NASCAR executives have refused to comment on the situation, likely wary of getting involved in what is being described as “a billionaire’s publicity stunt.”
But insiders say the drama could have long-term effects on potential partnerships between EV companies and racing organizations.
Is Elon Musk Overplaying His Hand?
Marketing analysts suggest that Musk’s aggressive approach may be alienating the very audience he wants to convert.
“Chase Elliott represents the heart of NASCAR’s fanbase — proud, loyal, and rooted in tradition. You can’t strong-arm him into being your poster boy,” said branding expert Carla Deen.
Final Lap: Respect > Riches
If Musk thought a fat paycheck could sway Elliott, he clearly underestimated the Georgia native’s values. In NASCAR, legacy often means more than luxury — and that’s a lesson money can’t buy.
At the end of the day, the message from Chase seems clear: “Drive what you believe in.”
So Who Crosses the Finish Line First — Innovation or Integrity?
One thing is certain: Elon Musk might rule the roads of Silicon Valley, but on the ovals of NASCAR, it’s respect, horsepower, and heart that win the race.