Bill Elliott Speaking Fee: $20,000 to $30,000

Bill Elliott, affectionately known as "Awesome Bill from Dawsonville," was born on October 8, 1955, in Dawsonville, Georgia. Growing up in a family passionate about stock car racing, Elliott developed an early interest in fast cars. With the help of his father, George, and brothers Ernie and Dan, Elliott began winning races in 1974 at the nearby Dixie Speedway in Woodstock. Elliott's NASCAR career took off in the 1980s. In 1985, he won 11 races and 11 poles, clinching the inaugural Winston Million by winning the Daytona 500, the Winston 500 at Talladega, and the Southern 500 at Darlington. This remarkable achievement earned him the nickname "Million Dollar Bill" and landed him on the cover of Sports Illustrated, a first for a NASCAR driver. The pinnacle of Elliott's career came in 1988 when he secured the NASCAR Cup Series Championship. That season, he recorded six wins, 15 top-five finishes, and 22 top-ten finishes in 29 races. Throughout his career, Elliott amassed 44 Cup Series wins, ranking him among NASCAR's all-time greats. Elliott's influence extended beyond his own driving. His son, Chase Elliott, followed in his footsteps and became a NASCAR Cup Series champion in 2020, marking the Elliotts as one of the sport's notable racing families. Today, Bill Elliott remains a respected figure in motorsports. His journey from a small-town racer to a NASCAR legend continues to inspire fans and aspiring drivers alike.