Former NASCAR Cup Series champion Chase Elliott says the sport’s demanding calendar – running from February to November – can “eat you up” if drivers don’t find ways to reset. In an interview with OutKick OutDoors, Elliott explained that it isn’t the 38 races that wear on competitors, but the relentless stretch of months spent traveling, preparing and racing.

Finding balance outdoors

Elliott, who grew up in Colorado after his father, Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, stepped back from full‑time racing, credits time spent outdoors for his mental reset. He enjoys fly fishing, a hobby he learned from his dad’s friend and his uncle Ernie, as well as golf, hiking and snowboarding.

“If you don’t have ways to escape and reset, it can really eat you up, especially when things aren’t going well,” he said. Elliott likens mastering fly fishing to mastering golf – both require patience, practice and an acceptance that perfection may never be reached.

Why the escape matters

For Elliott, stepping away from the track isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity to maintain the right mindset for competition. He feels a responsibility to his team to perform at the highest level, and believes that taking breaks helps the whole environment – drivers, crews and families – stay sharp.

He hopes to return to Colorado whenever the NASCAR schedule allows, often timing trips with western race swings to avoid unnecessary cross‑country flights. Whether he’s casting a fly in a North Georgia stream, hitting a golf ball, or snowboarding in the Rockies, Elliott says the goal is the same: to recharge and keep his focus on the long season ahead.

Looking ahead

While Elliott admits he’s still a work‑in‑progress at both fishing and golf, he remains optimistic that continued outdoor pursuits will help him stay “fearless” on the track. His message is clear: athletes, and anyone facing a demanding schedule, should prioritize time away to preserve both performance and well‑being.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.