Net Worth Ranker
What Is Bill Elliott’s Net Worth?
Bill Elliott, the semi-retired American NASCAR icon, has amassed a net worth of approximately $7 million as of 2024. This figure represents the culmination of a successful racing career that spanned several decades, including race winnings, endorsements, and other ventures. While specific details regarding the breakdown of his net worth are not publicly available, it is primarily attributed to his achievements in motorsports.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Born William Clyde Elliott Sr. on October 8, 1955, in Dawsonville, Georgia, Bill Elliott grew up immersed in the world of cars and racing. His father, George Elliott, owned an auto parts business, which fueled the family’s passion for motorsports. Bill began his professional racing career in 1976 in the Winston Cup Series, initially without significant corporate backing. He drove a car under his father’s ownership. During his debut race, his car failed after 32 laps. In 1977, he acquired a Mercury Montego from Bobby Allison, marking a turning point in his career as his performance improved significantly at the Southern 500, climbing from the top 10 to the top 5 within two years. By 1980, Elliott secured a $500 sponsorship from Harry Melling of Melling Racing, which was extended in the following year. In 1981, he captured his first pole at Darlington.
Peak Years and Earnings
Bill Elliott’s career reached its zenith in the 1980s and 1990s. In 1983, he clinched his first Winston Cup race victory at Riverside International Raceway. He secured a major sponsorship deal from Coors Brewing Company for $400,000 starting in 1984. The 1985 season stands out as one of his most remarkable, with 11 pole positions, 11 race wins, and a $1 million bonus for winning the Daytona 500, the Winston 500 at Talladega, and the Southern 500 at Darlington. In 1987, Elliott set the all-time qualifying speed record at Talladega, clocking in at 212 mph. His crowning achievement came in 1988 when he won the Winston Cup Championship with his brothers Ernie and Dan in the pits. In 2000, Elliott had led that team through 623 races, winning 40, finishing 25% in the top five and earning nearly $24 million. During his peak years, his earnings were estimated to be between $1.5 million and $3.3 million annually. In March 2010, Elliott had clocked up 810 NASCAR starts and 44 wins. He had won the 1988 NASCAR Winston Cup Series, placed in the Top Five 175 times, and 320 times in the Top Ten with a total recorded winnings exceeding US$37 million.
Sponsorships and Endorsements
Throughout his career, Bill Elliott secured various sponsorships that contributed to his income and fame. In 1984, he secured a major sponsorship deal from Coors Brewing Company for $400,000. After leaving Milling Racing, Elliott joined Junior Johnson & Associates in 1992, replacing Geoffrey Bodine in the No. 11 Ford, which was sponsored by Budweiser. When he started his own team in 1995, McDonald’s provided sponsorship. He raced in Dodge Intrepids from 2001 to 2003, with Dodge also being the primary sponsor of Elliott’s No. 9 car.
Post-Retirement and Current Ventures
Since transitioning to a semi-retired status in 2004, Bill Elliott has continued to participate in occasional races and maintain involvement in the NASCAR community. In 2001, Elliott sold his racing team to Ray Evernham, who renamed it Evernham Motorsports. He has also engaged in various endorsements and promotional activities, leveraging his iconic status in the sport. In February 2016, Bill Elliott endorsed Donald Trump for president. He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2007 and the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats. The specific income derived from these post-retirement activities is not publicly detailed but contributes to his overall financial standing.
Real Estate
Bill Elliott resides in Dawsonville, Georgia. He previously owned a luxurious mansion near Dawsonville, which featured a wine cellar and a three-car garage, that he sold for $1.5 million.
