Drivers within the NASCAR Cup Collection seldom stick with a single race staff all through their careers. They soar ship primarily based on a number of components, together with profession stage, remuneration, and staff efficiency requirements. However 2020 Cup Collection champion Chase Elliott is one driver who needs to stick with his staff, Hendrick Motorsports, until the very finish.
Elliott joined the HMS ranks in 2016, taking on the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro that the four-time champion Jeff Gordon commandeered for many years. He has grown to be one of many largest stars, if not the largest, within the sport and is actively pursuing his second championship in 2025. He confirmed in a current interview that he has no want to race below a distinct banner ever.
He mentioned on The MeatEater Podcast, “I’ve seen lots of people soar round over time. Even guys that you simply wouldn’t have anticipated to leap round and do one thing completely different. Personally, I’d like to spend my profession with one staff. I’ve been at it with them for 10 years now. I hope I don’t must go anyplace else or do anything for positive.”
Gordon began and completed his profession with Hendrick Motorsports, like Elliott needs to do. If the 29-year-old manages to maintain himself as one among Rick Hendrick’s 4 horsemen till retirement, he can be becoming a member of an elite breed of drivers who’re identified for his or her loyalty. Furthermore, it’s nearly a on condition that not less than just a few extra championships await him if he stays put.
How massive was it for Elliott to affix Hendrick Motorsports?
Chase’s father, Invoice, was an especially fashionable determine in American motorsports. Followers liked the sight of him and regarded him extremely, though he couldn’t actually dwell as much as the opposite legends on the monitor each time. However what he lacked in outcomes, he made up for with aptitude. In distinction to Chase, Invoice was a big-time journeyman all through his profession.
He raced for greater than a dozen groups all through his profession, along with his longest stint coming with Melling Racing. So, it was a naturally massive second for him and his household when it got here to mild that Chase could be racing for Hendrick Motorsports.
Chase mentioned in an interview on the time, “My dad and mom particularly have believed in me each step of the best way, and I do know this wouldn’t be potential with out all of the sacrifices they’ve made to concentrate on my racing profession. That is such a giant week for our household. I understand how uncommon this chance is and can work as arduous as I can to make everybody proud.”
Invoice could be extremely happy with his son’s consistency and persistence if he stays with Hendrick Motorsports all through his profession. However essentially the most essential requirement to try this is to start out profitable extra races. The youthful Elliott completed third within the Cup Collection race at Mexico Metropolis final Sunday. His subsequent problem can be on the Pocono Raceway.
