TEARS AT DARLINGTON: Chase Elliott’s Heartbreaking 5-Word Statement on Missing the 2025 Goodyear 400 Shocks NASCAR Fans

In a devastating blow to NASCAR fans, Chase Elliott, the 2020 Cup Series champion and driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, has announced he will not be competing in the 2025 Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway, scheduled for April 6. The news, which broke on April 3, 2025, comes as a shock to the racing community, especially given Elliott’s recent resurgence with a win at the 2025 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium and a strong fourth-place finish at the Circuit of the Americas earlier this season. In an emotional interview, Elliott, visibly tearful in front of a microphone, delivered a powerful five-word statement that encapsulated the heartbreaking reason for his absence: “My father’s health is failing.”

Elliott’s father, Bill Elliott, a NASCAR Hall of Famer and 16-time Most Popular Driver award winner, has been a towering figure in the sport and a guiding force in Chase’s career. The 69-year-old racing legend, who drove the No. 9 car during his own storied career, has reportedly been battling a serious illness, though specific details remain private. Chase, who has followed in his father’s footsteps by winning the Most Popular Driver award from 2018 to 2024, has often spoken about the profound influence Bill has had on his life and career. The 29-year-old driver’s decision to step away from the Goodyear 400—a race known as NASCAR’s throwback event where Elliott was set to honor Ken Schrader with a special green, white, and gray paint scheme—underscores the gravity of his father’s condition.

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment in Elliott’s 2025 season. After snapping a 42-race winless streak with a victory at Texas Motor Speedway in April 2024, Elliott has been a consistent contender, currently sitting third in the Cup Series standings with one win and four top-five finishes. His odds to win the Goodyear 400 were listed at +1600, making him a strong contender at a track where he has had mixed success, including three top-eight finishes in his last four appearances. However, Elliott’s absence opens the door for other drivers, with Kyle Larson now the favorite at +425, followed by Denny Hamlin at +450 and Martin Truex Jr. at +650, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. William Byron, the defending Goodyear 400 champion, sits at +800.

Elliott’s withdrawal is not the first time he has had to step away from racing for personal reasons. In 2023, he missed six races after fracturing his tibia while snowboarding, a period that tested his resilience but also highlighted his ability to bounce back. This time, however, the emotional weight of his father’s health crisis has clearly taken a toll. Fans on social media have rallied around Elliott, with one writing, “Chase’s statement broke my heart. Family comes first.” Another added, “Bill Elliott is a legend. Praying for the Elliott family during this tough time.” The outpouring of support reflects the deep connection the Elliott family has with the NASCAR community, a bond forged over decades of racing excellence.

Hendrick Motorsports has confirmed that a replacement driver will be named for the No. 9 car at Darlington, though no official announcement has been made as of April 4, 2025. The team issued a brief statement: “We fully support Chase’s decision to be with his family during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with the Elliott family.” The Goodyear 400, a 293-lap race around the 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval, will undoubtedly feel the absence of one of its most popular drivers, who has a history of strong performances at the track, including a win in the Xfinity Series in 2014.

As the NASCAR community prepares for a throwback weekend at Darlington, the focus for many will be on the Elliott family. Chase’s five-word statement, “My father’s health is failing,” serves as a stark reminder of the personal challenges that even the biggest stars face behind the scenes. While Elliott’s absence from the Goodyear 400 is a loss for the sport, his decision to prioritize family has only deepened the respect fans and peers have for him. For now, the racing world waits with bated breath, hoping for positive news about Bill Elliott’s health and Chase’s eventual return to the track.