The NASCAR driver Chase Elliott has publicly declared that he will not participate in any celebrations related to Pride Month this June. Elliott, a former Cup Series champion and one of the sport’s most recognizable faces, shared his views in a recent interview where he expressed discomfort with what he called the “woke agenda” surrounding the month-long observance.
Elliott stated that he does not believe Pride Month, which honors the LGBTQ+ community and promotes inclusivity, deserves special recognition. He referred to the broader movement as being driven by what he views as excessive political correctness and cultural pressure. According to Elliott, celebrating such events feels more like “virtue signaling” than genuine support, and he insisted that individuals should not be forced or expected to take part in causes they don’t personally agree with.
The comments immediately drew mixed reactions online and within the racing community. While some fans praised Elliott for “speaking his truth” and standing up against what they perceive as forced conformity, others criticized him for appearing dismissive of a marginalized group’s efforts to gain visibility and equal rights.
NASCAR has increasingly embraced diversity in recent years, openly supporting Pride initiatives and promoting messages of inclusion. Elliott’s stance, therefore, stands in stark contrast to the league’s recent messaging and has ignited broader debates about free speech, personal beliefs, and corporate social responsibility in professional sports.
At the time of writing, Elliott had not issued any further clarification or retraction regarding his comments.
