Top 6 NASCAR Drivers Who Became Pilots

Over the past few years, motorsports have been on the rise worldwide. Whether the formal Formula 1 Grand Prix or the emergence of stock car racing in the US, auto sports have grown in prestige and outreach. Surprisingly, there has been a large crossover between professional racecar drivers and aviation. It has come to light recently that many professional drivers are also amateur pilots who have flying credentials.

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the main racing sport in the US, featuring multiple different competitions, teams, and races that occur nationwide. Although still smaller than some other emerging sports, such as soccer or women’s basketball, NASCAR continues to rise nationwide. Some of the sports best have adventured into becoming pilots, with some finding it as a hobby after retirement, while others have been flying for a while.

The crossover is not surprising, as both racing in professional motorsports and flying an aircraft have some similarities in lifestyle. For example, both require being calm while performing highly precise movements. Adrenaline is kicking in while controlling a large machine and sophisticated instruments.

Outspoken racer Tony Stewart has been an avid pilot in his retirement. He has been seen flying his private planes around the country, to the tune of controversy about where he decides to park it. Stewart has been seen flying single and multi-engine aircraft, with one report indicating he has a Dassault Falcon 50 N500TS.

2020 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Chase Elliot is another racer and pilot. Last year, Elliot flew a Cessna Citation 525 private plane to Talladega before a race. Elliot has spoken about his love for flying and his hobby since 2015, when he received his license to fly with multiple instruments. He states, “Flying isn't something you can find time for, it's more something you have to make time for.” In a high-stress environment such as racing, the time for flying is used as his “peaceful” activity.

Greg Biffle, a retired racer, has an aircraft pilot license and maintains an active helicopter license. Biffle is said to fly a Bell 206L LongRanger in retirement, which is very impressive for someone to learn independently. In addition to the helicopter, Biffle has owned a Cessna 210, a Dassault Falcon 10, and a Dassault Falcon 50. Biffle has also spoken positively about his interest in flying.

Carl Edwards, who infamously beat Michael Schumacher in a race in the mid-2000s, is also a pilot, having been one since he was in high school. Edwards has flown his Cessna Citation CJ3 to multiple Sprint Cup series events over the years. Edwards and his team have stated that his ability to fly himself across the country has made it much easier to attend media events and promote the sport.

In addition to the above, 2023 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees Matt Kenseth and Kyle Petty have also been known to be pilots. Allegiant Airlines is the official airline partner of NASCAR.