LGBT billionaire Tim Cook has reportedly made a bold move within the world of motorsports by offering NASCAR star Chase Elliott a staggering $199 million along with a lucrative sponsorship deal with 23XI Racing for the 2025 season. The condition? Elliott would need to post advertisements indefinitely in support of the LGBTQ+ community. The reported offer, which quickly circulated online and stirred heated discussions among fans and insiders alike, was intended to combine the power of celebrity influence with advocacy for inclusivity. However, Elliott’s response has left the NASCAR world stunned.
Sources close to the situation claim that Cook’s proposal wasn’t just about money—it was a long-term branding strategy. By aligning a high-profile figure like Chase Elliott with progressive social values, Cook hoped to create a ripple effect in the traditionally conservative world of stock car racing. Apple’s CEO, known for his quiet but firm advocacy of LGBTQ+ rights, allegedly believed that Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the sport’s most marketable figures, would be a perfect spokesperson.
Instead of accepting the offer, Chase Elliott reportedly declined outright—and did so in a way that surprised many. In a brief but powerful statement, Elliott is said to have replied, “I race for fans of all beliefs, backgrounds, and values. I won’t promote anything that divides the community I love. NASCAR is for everyone—no strings attached.”
His response, though respectful, sent shockwaves across social media. Some fans praised Elliott for standing by his principles and avoiding what they saw as politicizing the sport. Others criticized him for missing an opportunity to take a public stand in support of a marginalized group.
NASCAR itself has remained silent on the matter, but insiders say the organization is watching the situation closely. In recent years, NASCAR has taken steps to modernize its image and promote diversity, including banning Confederate flags at events and supporting driver Bubba Wallace’s activism. However, this latest saga has reignited debates about the role of politics and social issues in professional sports.
Meanwhile, representatives for Tim Cook and Apple have declined to comment, neither confirming nor denying the reported offer. The silence has only fueled speculation, with some questioning whether the deal ever existed, while others see it as a calculated leak to test public reaction.
Regardless of its origin, the incident has put Chase Elliott in the spotlight for reasons far beyond the race track. As the 2025 season approaches, fans and sponsors alike will be watching to see how this controversy unfolds. Will it impact Elliott’s marketability? Will other drivers follow his example—or take the path he turned down?
What’s clear is that in a world where business, identity, and personal values increasingly intersect, even a sport rooted in tradition like NASCAR is not immune to cultural crossroads.