Bill Elliott

Bill Elliot, a former professional stock car racing driver, last competed part-time in the Camping World Superstar Racing Experience in 2022. Elliot's career in the sport was highlighted by numerous victories and awards, including the 1988 Winston Cup Championship, and 44 wins in the series. The series wins included victories in the "Daytona 500" (1985, 1987), "Southern 500" (1985, 1988, 1994), "Winston 500" (1985), and "Brickyard 400" (2002). Elliot set records in 1987 for the fastest qualifying speeds at Talladega and Daytona International Speedway, records that remain unbroken due to the current use of restrictor plates.

Elliot's prowess on the NASCAR circuit was also recognized by his peers and fans. He won the first-ever Winston Million in 1985 by winning three of the four crown jewel NASCAR races in a single season, an accomplishment that earned him the nickname "Million Dollar Bill." Elliot also holds the record for winning NASCAR's Most Popular Driver Award 16 times (1984-1988, 1991–2000, 2002). This popularity and success on the track led to his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015, as well as various other hall of fame inductions and awards. The Georgia State Legislature also honored Elliot by declaring October 8 as Bill Elliot Day.

Aside from his exploits on the track, Elliot's off-track activities have also garnered attention. He authored a book titled "Awesome Bill from Dawsonville: Looking Back on a Life in NASCAR," providing a personal and in-depth look at his life and career in NASCAR. Elliot also participated in the International Race of Champions, finishing as high as 2nd place in the series in 1986 and 1991. His career includes driving for teams such as Melling Racing, Junior Johnson & Associates, and Evernham Motorsports, and he owned his own racing team, Elliot-Hardy Racing, from 1995 to 2000. He was also involved in a notable crash at Talladega, highlighting the risks and intensity of motorsport racing.