FROM NASCAR.COM
Growing up in Dawsonville, Georgia, Ernie Elliott built his reputation not behind the wheel, but under the hood, where precision, creativity, and mechanical instinct defined his contribution to NASCAR competition. Working alongside his family’s racing efforts, Elliott emerged as one of the sport’s premier engine builders.
For 279 Cup Series races, Elliott served as crew chief for his younger brother, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, guiding him to 33 wins and 39 poles, including two Daytona 500s, two Southern 500s, the inaugural Winston Million in 1985 and the 1988 championship.
As an engine builder, his cars amassed 40 Cup Series victories, 148 top five finishes and 291 top 10s, earning him recognition as Engine Builder of the Year in 1985 and Engine Builder of the Decade for the 1980s.
Elliott’s work in the garage and on the pit box set a standard for performance and strategy, producing championship-level cars and leaving a lasting mark that endures.
Ernie Elliott bio
Born: July 25, 1947
Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia
Championships (1)
Cup – 1988
Cup Series Crew Chief Stats
Competed: 1980-99
Starts: 279
Wins: 33
Poles: 39
Years on Ballot: 1