Moments Before NASCAR’s Chicago Race, Chase Elliott Took a Big Risk by Settling the Cubs vs White Sox Debate

Published 07/14/2023, 3:25 PM EDT

The hype for the upcoming Braves vs. White Sox and Cubs vs. Red Sox matches is unmatched. Or perhaps, it is as palpable as the excitement for the upcoming NASCAR Crayon 301 and Ambetter Health 200 races. Fierce competition engulfs not just NASCAR drivers for their own races, but also the baseball team they support. Yes, NASCAR drivers have displayed quite graphic expressions with respect to the moves and performances of their favorite MLB players. While 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champ Chase Elliott has previously been quite vocal about the baseball team he supports, he affirmed his loyalty once again in an interview with Dean Walcott.

The nine-year-old kart racer had quite a few vital questions to ask Elliott, and Elliott readily answered them. From his advice to younger aspiring racers to his favorite kind of pizza, the range of these questions was pretty wide. However, it took Elliott just 5 words to end a very crucial debate regarding his preference between 2 of the Chicago-based baseball teams – the White Sox and the Cubs.

Is It Even Either of the Two for Chase Elliott?

Article continues below this ad

Only a few days before the Chicago Street Race, Dean asked him to pick between Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox. Sitting in Chicago, looking forward to a Chicago race, this was perhaps quite a tough choice to make for Elliott. However, he had 5 words that were enough to settle the debate for him. At least, it was quite clear which team Dean was supporting.

“Do you like the Cubs or White Sox? Please say, White Sox,” said an eager Dean.

Well, even fans were looking forward to learning what Elliott had to say. “I like the Braves,” replied Elliott initially. While this was an acceptable answer, it was not what fans were on the lookout for. “However, if I had to pick,” continued Elliott with the 5 words that did the magic, “I would pick the Cubs.”

Georgia native Elliott has always been significantly vocal about his support for Atlanta Braves. However, days before a major race in Chicago that would make history, was it really wise of Elliott to pick sides within Chicago? Could it be that he lost a supporter from MLB because of the choice he made? Seems like a hefty risk.

Article continues below this ad

Watch This Story: Heartbroken Chase Elliott admits defeat hours ahead of the Chicago Street Race.

Chase Elliott’s Loyalty For Georgia Runs Deep

Hailing from Georgia, Elliott is proud every time Georgia Sports adds a new accolade to its collection. Elliot’s big 2020 win was also considered by him to be a small contribution to making Georgia sports greater. Last year, Atlanta held an event to celebrate Georgia’s victories. At Georgia’s College Football Hall of Fame, Elliott’s trophy from the 2020 Cup championship was kept beside the 2021 World Series trophy won by the Atlanta Braves and the College Football Playoff National Championship trophy. This was a moment of celebration for Elliott, and he participated in it wholeheartedly. He further added to Georgia’s pride and glory by winning the Atlanta race of the Cup Series last year.

Article continues below this ad

Even in this year’s Atlanta race, Elliott managed to remain among the top 15. Amidst his immovable loyalty and support for Georgia (mostly the Braves), it remains to be seen how much pride he brings to Georgia this season.

“He Hasn’t Even Really Been as Fast” – Denny Hamlin Calls Out Chase Elliott Losing His Throne After the 2021 Season

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Anjori Mukherjee is a NASCAR writer at EssentiallySports. A journalist and storyteller by heart, Anjori has gained significant experience in sports journalism in the past four years. Being thorough in research and unbiased in her pronouncements, she lives by upholding journalistic integrity.

Edited by:

Ranvijay Singh

Moments Before NASCAR’s Chicago Race, Chase Elliott Took a Big Risk by Settling the Cubs vs White Sox Debate

Is It Even Either of the Two for Chase Elliott?

Chase Elliott’s Loyalty For Georgia Runs Deep

Trending

Exclusive: Team Kicked Out by NASCAR After a Driver “Snitched” on Them

NASCAR Veterans Take a Dig at Jimmie Johnson’s Star for ‘Wrecking Whole Toyota Line’ With Wild Dale Jr Accusation

Uncertain “Political Environment” Cause Kyle Busch and Richard Childress Racing to Take a Major Sponsorship Hit

“You’re Pissing Me Off” – Dale Earnhardt Jr Instantly Shuts Down Denny Hamlin’s Solution to Better Talladega

“Just Push Her”: Denny Hamlin Asks Tony Stewart’s Sensation To Move Hailie Deegan Out of His Way