Netflix Releases Highly Anticipated Documentary on NASCAR Star Chase Elliott Titled “TURBO” — Global Premiere Set for April 25
By Jordan Whitaker | April 8, 2025 | Charlotte, NC
Netflix is about to take viewers on a ride like no other. In a move that has already ignited excitement throughout the motorsports world, the streaming giant has announced the global release of a brand-new original documentary titled “TURBO”, centered on none other than NASCAR’s fan-favorite and 2020 Cup Series Champion, Chase Elliott.
The film is scheduled to premiere globally on April 25, 2025, and promises an in-depth, high-speed, emotional look into the life of one of the most captivating figures in American motorsports.
Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Sara Whitman, TURBO offers an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes view into Elliott’s rise from a quiet kid growing up in Dawsonville, Georgia, to becoming the face of NASCAR’s new generation. The documentary features high-octane racing footage, intimate personal moments, never-before-seen interviews, and dramatic turning points from Elliott’s career that shaped him into the competitor he is today.
The Crown Prince of NASCAR
Chase Elliott’s journey to superstardom began long before he ever strapped into a Cup Series car. As the son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, Chase was born into racing royalty. But rather than riding the coattails of his legendary father, Chase forged his own path with patience, humility, and undeniable talent.
TURBO explores Chase’s early years, starting with his first go-kart races at age eight, through his rapid rise in the ARCA and Xfinity Series, to his career-defining moment—winning the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway.
But what sets TURBO apart is how it dives deeper than the typical sports documentary. The film is less about statistics and more about the mental, emotional, and spiritual battles behind the wheel.
“Everyone knows Chase the driver,” says director Sara Whitman in an early press release. “This film is about Chase the human. The quiet leader. The thoughtful son. The guy who carries the weight of a sport on his shoulders and still shows up with a smile.”
Inside the Mind of a Champion
From opening credits to the final lap, TURBO captures Elliott’s relentless work ethic, attention to detail, and intense desire to honor the legacy of his last name while crafting his own. Audiences are shown raw and vulnerable moments—like Elliott pacing alone before the Daytona 500, audio clips from tense radio communications during last-lap battles, and his post-race tears following losses that stung more than fans ever knew.
In one particularly emotional segment, Chase sits alone in the Hendrick Motorsports simulator room, eyes closed, headphones on, whispering to himself:
“You don’t get another shot at this. You either deliver, or you disappear.”
The camera lingers on the sweat dripping down his brow—proof that NASCAR is just as much about mental stamina as it is about speed.
Racing, Rivalries, and Redemption
TURBO doesn’t shy away from Chase’s most controversial and career-defining moments. It features his iconic clashes with Kevin Harvick, his mid-season slump in 2023 that saw his playoff hopes nearly slip away, and his fierce on-track battles with current stars like Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, and Denny Hamlin.
Fans will get a front-row seat to Elliott’s rollercoaster 2024 season, where he bounced back from adversity to reclaim his status as one of NASCAR’s most consistent and respected drivers. With exclusive in-car footage, team radio communications, and post-race debriefs, the documentary builds suspense like a race itself—each lap a new revelation.
The Elliott Legacy
Perhaps the most compelling layer of TURBO is the multi-generational story it tells. The documentary honors the legacy of Bill Elliott, the 1988 Cup Series Champion and 16-time Most Popular Driver, while showcasing how Chase embraced that lineage without letting it define him.
Viewers are treated to heartwarming scenes of Chase and his father tinkering on classic cars in their Dawsonville garage, as well as poignant interviews where Bill reflects on watching his son surpass his own accomplishments.
“There’s no playbook for being the son of a legend,” Bill says in one scene. “But Chase didn’t follow a script. He wrote his own.”
A Visual Masterpiece
Visually, TURBO is as breathtaking as the sport it celebrates. The cinematography team used drone cameras, onboard POV lenses, slow-motion crash analysis, and 8K resolution race footage to immerse viewers in the speed, chaos, and strategy of NASCAR. From the sun-drenched banks of Talladega to the neon-lit madness of the Charlotte Roval, every scene bursts with color, motion, and intensity.
Complemented by a high-energy original score from acclaimed composer Henry Morris, and sound design that places the viewer squarely in the driver’s seat, TURBO is more than a documentary—it’s an experience.
Voices from the Garage and Beyond
Netflix went the extra mile by including commentary from teammates, pit crew members, engineers, analysts, and competitors. Interviews with Rick Hendrick, Jeff Gordon, and Alan Gustafson (Elliott’s longtime crew chief) reveal just how important Chase is to the future of Hendrick Motorsports and the sport as a whole.
Even rivals give their due credit.
“Chase is quiet, but don’t mistake that for soft,” says Kyle Busch during a candid segment. “He’ll race you clean, but if you mess with him, he’ll bury you. He’s the real deal.”
The documentary also touches on Elliott’s philanthropic efforts, including his Chase Elliott Foundation, which supports childhood cancer research and disaster relief. These quieter moments highlight a side of Chase rarely seen by the public—a reflective, grounded young man with a heart for others.
Fan Reactions and Anticipation
Since the trailer’s release last week, NASCAR fans across the globe have been buzzing with anticipation. The two-minute preview has already amassed over 15 million views on social media platforms, with hashtags like #TURBOonNetflix and #ChaseElliottDoc trending across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
“Finally, a documentary that puts NASCAR where it belongs—center stage,” wrote one fan. Another commented, “Chase Elliott is our generation’s Dale Earnhardt Jr., and this doc is going to inspire the next wave of fans.”
The NASCAR-Netflix Partnership: A New Era
TURBO is the latest chapter in Netflix’s growing relationship with motorsports. Following the success of “Drive to Survive” (Formula 1) and “Full Speed” (IndyCar), Netflix continues its mission to bring sports stories to a global audience by highlighting both the action and the human experience behind it.
According to Netflix’s Head of Sports Originals Leah Marchand, the decision to center the documentary around Elliott was a no-brainer.
“Chase is the bridge between NASCAR’s past and its future,” Marchand says. “His story resonates beyond pit lanes and grandstands—it’s about pressure, perseverance, and passion. That’s what our viewers crave.”
What’s Next for Elliott and the Sport?
As the spotlight shines even brighter on Chase Elliott, questions are already swirling: Will this documentary expand NASCAR’s audience? Will it elevate Elliott’s profile to that of a global sports icon? And most importantly, will it serve as the launching pad for a new golden era of stock car racing?
Industry insiders believe so.
“Chase Elliott has always been a quiet superstar,” says Fox Sports analyst Jamie Little. “But TURBO is going to put him on a whole new level. It’s NASCAR’s Last Dance moment.”
For Elliott, however, the mission remains simple.
“I just want to race,” he says in the film’s closing scene. “If this inspires one kid to pick up a steering wheel, then it’s all worth it.”
Conclusion: The Green Flag Drops on April 25
With TURBO, Netflix isn’t just releasing another sports doc—they’re inviting the world into the cockpit of one of racing’s most electrifying stars. Whether you’re a lifelong NASCAR fanatic or a newcomer to the sport, Chase Elliott’s story of grit, grace, and gas will leave you on the edge of your seat.
So buckle up, because on April 25, the world gets a front-row seat to the most intimate and thrilling look at Chase Elliott yet. And once the checkered flag waves, you might just understand why millions call him their champion.
“TURBO” premieres exclusively on Netflix on April 25, 2025.
Running Time: 97 minutes | Rated TV-14 | Produced by RevLine Studios in association with Netflix Sports Originals.
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