Chase Elliott Realizes the Insane Element of His Long Association With Hendrick Motorsports After His Recent Contract Extension

In NASCAR, there are drivers who are looked at as rising stars, the young ones. Then there are drivers who were stars once but are now coming down with the heaviness of experience and age, the veterans. But then there are the rare few, the drivers who enter NASCAR already as stars and remain one until they retire. Chase Elliott is one of those rare few.

The Hendrick Motorsports driver, who is only 26-years-old, is already the poster boy of stock car racing. Having won his first Cup Series title in 2020, he quickly established himself as someone with a bright future, a legend in the making.

And Rick Hendrick knew that right from the beginning and continues to believe in that, which is all the more evident by the fact that Chase Elliott has recently extended his contract with HMS until 2027.

In an interview, the No.9 driver described how “it’s kind of nuts” how long he and Mr. H have been associated.

“This is my seventh year in Cup which is kinda crazy,” he said. “Mr.Hendrick and I started this relationship when I was like 15-years-old.”

“So it’s kind of nuts that time has flown this quick. But just super proud, and couldn’t be more thankful for him and the entire organization for embracing me with open arms and making it feel like such a family.”

“A young man who is mature beyond his years” – Rick Hendrick on Chase Elliott

In a press release after his contract extension, Rick Hendrick described Chase Elliott as “a champion on and off the track.”

“His talent inside the race car is undeniable, and he’s just scratching the surface of what he can do,” he said.

“This is a young man who is mature beyond his years, comes from an incredible family, and is humble, hard-working and never takes anything for granted. As long as Chase is driving, we want him right here with Hendrick Motorsports.”

Chase Elliott also described how full of pride he is in driving for Hendrick Motorsports as he continues to aim for more championships.

He concluded by saying something which perhaps not many will disagree with – “We are capable of accomplishing a lot more.” 

Also Read: “I Didn’t Want to Host ‘Saturday Night Live’ – Jeff Gordon Encourages NASCAR Drivers Like Chase Elliott to Take the Next Step With His Own Example