When you reach the pinnacle of any profession, escaping comparisons is inevitable. The same goes in the world of NASCAR, where drivers are pitted against each other and the game of X vs Y is constantly on. Thus, when Kevin Harvick was posed with the burning question of whom he thought was the better driver between Chase Elliot and Dale Earnhardt Jr., it came as no surprise. 

However, while Harvick did answer the question about preference, he also hinted at the striking similarity between these two iconic drivers.

Kevin Harvick on Earnhardt Jr. vs Chase Elliot

Ask most people in the racing community a driver vs driver question and you will get some of the most diplomatically right answers, but not here. Harvick was as candid as possible at the ‘Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour’. 

Choosing veteran racer and JRM owner, Dale Earnhardt Jr, Harvick explained his rationale. “You have those generational things so it’s, you know, for me I grew up racing with Dale. I think that Dale Jr. had…a lot of, he had a lot of different experiences in different cars. I would go with, I would personally go with Dale Jr on that side of the fence.” 

Harvick was pretty clear in his stance that there is a generational difference between the two racers and he sides with Earnhart Jr because of his personal history. He also talked about how both drivers are in different categories, regarding what they do for the sport and what they mean to the sport because of their heritage with their name. 

Ultimately, comparing these two legends would be like comparing an apple and an orange, both great but in different ways. But they do have a point of similarity—the racing heritage. 

Elliot and Earnhardt Jr unified by their heritage

Trending

Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Stepmother Follows Through on the Grudge, With His Legacy Also Hanging in the Balance

May 16, 2024 04:49 AM EDT

Denny Hamlin’s Fiancee Jordan Fish Forces JGR Star Out of Driver’s Seat in Surprising Announcement

May 14, 2024 03:24 PM EDT

Potential Roadblock for Fans as NASCAR’s Crown Jewel Goes Behind Another Paywall With Amazon Opening With a Bang

May 16, 2024 10:29 AM EDT

Dale Earnhardt Jr Gives Up ‘Savior of NASCAR’ Title With a Humble Confession

May 16, 2024 06:32 PM EDT

Dale Earnhardt Jr Shoots Himself in the Foot at Jimmie Johnson’s Home as He Recalls the Regretful Experience

May 16, 2024 08:39 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NASCAR stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

While Chase Elliot and Dale Earnhardt Jr. may not seem worlds apart, they share a common thread — their racing lineage. Both come from affluent racing families. Chase Elliot is the son of NASCAR legend Bill Elliot, whose career spanned over three decades, with  44 race wins and 320 Top-10s in NASCAR’s highest division. Lovingly known as ‘Awesome Bill from Dawsonville’, the racer also clinched the 1988 Cup Championship and the prestigious Winton Million, earning him another moniker: Million Dollar Bill. 

On the other hand, Earnhardt Jr doesn’t need to any introduction either. Hailing from racing royalty, Junior’s grandfather was a racer and so was his dad. Even before Dale Earnhardt came to be known as ‘The Intimidator’, there was Ralph Earnhardt, who was collecting trophies left, right and center! With over 350 NASCAR race wins, the Earnhardt family patriarch’s racing career dates back to 1949. Notably, he also mentored NASCAR Hall of Famer, Bobby Isaac.

But, did you know that the Senior Elliot and Dale Earnhardt Jr share a record? They both hold the record for being the most popular driver more than 10 times!

Having said that, while Chase Elliott and Dale Earnhardt Jr’s racing pedigree is similar, and they have grown up amidst the roars of engines, they embody the spirit of determination and drive. They have legendary racing fathers, but there is no doubt that they have now carved their own legacy.