Chase Elliott, son of racing legend Bill Elliott, carries a deep family legacy in NASCAR, one of the sport’s most recognized dynasties. Although Chase currently races with the No. 9 car, the process of obtaining that number was not straightforward and involved the encouragement of Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Bill Elliott, NASCAR’s 1988 Cup Series champion, was famous for his aggressive and memorable celebrations, and the No. 9 was synonymous with his success. However, when Chase initially joined Hendrick Motorsports (HMS), he did not immediately receive the No. 9 — he began his stint behind the wheel of the No. 24 car, previously driven by Jeff Gordon.
The No. 9 number was still in use by Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) when Chase first arrived, but after RPM exited NASCAR, the number became available. During a period of restructuring within Hendrick Motorsports in 2018, Chase set his sights on adopting the No. 9 to honor his father’s legacy.
It was at this crucial moment that Dale Earnhardt Jr. played a pivotal role. Encouraging Chase to take immediate action, Earnhardt Jr. advised him that the opportunity to claim the No. 9 might not come again.
You need to speak up about this right now because you’re probably not gonna have another opportunity to do it,
Earnhardt said to Elliott.
Following this advice, Chase approached HMS owner Rick Hendrick to negotiate the right to the No. 9. Petty Enterprises agreed to release the number, understanding its historical importance and its significance to the Elliott family. Since then, Chase Elliott has proudly raced with the No. 9, continuing a tradition deeply rooted in NASCAR history.
The Significance of the No. 9 Number to Chase Elliott
To many newer NASCAR fans, the importance of a car number may seem minor, but for those familiar with the sport’s history, the No. 9 carried tremendous weight. Bill Elliott’s era in the 1980s was marked by speed and dominance, with the No. 9 car becoming an emblem of his career success.
Bill Elliott made history at Talladega in 1987 by recording the fastest qualifying speed in NASCAR, reaching 212.809 mph — a record that still stands. Nearly all of his 44 career wins, including his 1988 Cup Series championship, were achieved driving the No. 9 car, cementing the number as a symbol of excellence.
There was one notable exception when Bill switched to No. 94 to honor his nephew Casey Elliott, who passed away from cancer. This gesture reflected the Elliott family’s deep personal connections within the sport.
For Chase, racing with the No. 9 is not only a tribute to his father’s remarkable achievements but also a way to carry forward a powerful family heritage on the NASCAR circuit.
The Role of Family Legacy and Mentorship in NASCAR’s Landscape
The story of Chase Elliott and the No. 9 car underscores the importance of family legacies in NASCAR, where succeeding generations often build upon their predecessors’ foundations. Like the Elliott family, the Earnhardts are another deeply influential NASCAR family, shaping the sport over decades.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s involvement in guiding Chase to secure the No. 9 highlights the mentorship and respect shared among top drivers, reinforcing NASCAR’s close-knit community. Rick Hendrick’s support in facilitating the arrangement further reflects the collaborative spirit within prominent racing teams.
As Chase Elliott continues to compete with the No. 9 at Hendrick Motorsports, this chapter of his career serves as a bridge between NASCAR’s storied past and its vibrant future, promising more moments of speed and success forged in the shadow of legacy.
