Chase Elliott NASCAR Hendrick Motorsports journey represents more than just impressive finishes and championship titles; it reflects a decade of dedication, resilience, and deep loyalty. Since becoming a full-time driver for Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) in 2016, Elliott has worked tirelessly to carve out his own legacy in NASCAR while living up to the high expectations tied to his family name and the iconic #9 car.
As the son of Hall of Famer Bill Elliott and the successor to Jeff Gordon’s legendary #24, Chase faced mounting pressure from the start. Despite the burden of these expectations and periods of drought, including a 44-race winless streak that recently ended with a victory at Atlanta in 2025, Elliott’s career journey has been defined by perseverance and unwavering commitment to his team.
Chase Elliott Shares Heartfelt Reflections on His NASCAR Career
Opening up about his time with Hendrick Motorsports, Chase Elliott portrayed his path as an emotional rollercoaster filled with both elation and setbacks. After winning the Xfinity Series Championship in 2014 with JR Motorsports and showcasing impressive consistency, Elliott entered the Cup Series with high hopes and significant pressure. Replacing four-time champion Jeff Gordon, his rookie season began amidst intense scrutiny and lofty expectations.
Reflecting on the unique support system within HMS, Elliott said,
You know, it’s not every day that you encounter people like that who just have your back, no matter what. And I just think that those things should be celebrated and emphasized and held onto as long as everybody’s willing to do it. And you’re grateful for all the relationships on the 9 team I’ve made throughout the years. A lot of us have been together for ten seasons.
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR driver
Throughout his career, Alan Gustafson has been Elliott’s crew chief, guiding him through exhilarating wins as well as challenging losses. Elliott’s first NASCAR attempt at the Daytona 500 was notable, earning him the distinction of the youngest pole-sitter in the event’s history. After transitioning from the #24 to the #9 car, Elliott went on to win at least two races each year from 2018 through 2022, capturing the Cup Series championship in 2020 and consistently competing at the highest level.
Despite these successes, Elliott acknowledges that the journey has not always been smooth. He emphasized the importance of loyalty and support in navigating the tough times, saying,
I think that’s an important thing to remember. You’d be hard-pressed to find a group of people who know you better than the folks who’ve been loyal to you and had your back for this entire time. So, certainly grateful for that.
He added,
I haven’t enjoyed every day of the journey, but it’s been a lot of fun on some days. And on days you don’t enjoy, you have to find a way to remind yourself it’s part of the process, something you’re going through for a reason.
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR driver
Overcoming Injury and Challenges
In 2023, Elliott’s perseverance was tested when a snowboarding accident caused a leg injury that forced him to miss multiple races. His return to the track was met with considerable pressure from fans and media alike, but he maintained steadfast support from Hendrick Motorsports. Though his winning pace slowed, Elliott still secured two victories between 2023 and 2025, triumphing at Texas in 2024 and then breaking his winless streak in Atlanta last week.
His relationship with Hendrick Motorsports, known for backing drivers during both struggling and victorious times, has been central to navigating these setbacks. Elliott expressed gratitude toward team owner Rick Hendrick, saying,
I’m just really grateful for Mr. Hendrick and everything he’s done for me. He’s always believed in me, even when things weren’t going our way.
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR driver
The team’s culture of loyalty and family-like atmosphere extends beyond Elliott, as fellow HMS drivers such as Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman have cited similar support as critical to their careers. However, for Elliott, the Atlanta victory held personal significance beyond the track—it was a powerful emotional release from mounting pressure and a celebration of his resilience at his hometown track in Georgia.
The Emotional Weight of the Atlanta Victory
Breaking a 44-race winless stretch was a pivotal moment for Elliott, revealing the often unseen emotional burden carried by top athletes. Despite consistent top-20 finishes throughout the season, the inability to cross the finish line first weighed heavily. Winning at Atlanta symbolized not only relief but also validation of his persistence through adversity.
That triumph was marked by sincere emotion, reflecting the importance of support systems and mental toughness in Elliott’s ongoing NASCAR career. His ability to stay focused while teammates found success speaks to his dedication and hunger to return to the sport’s frontrunner circle.
What Chase Elliott’s Career Signifies for NASCAR Fans and Competitors
Chase Elliott’s NASCAR Hendrick Motorsports journey demonstrates that perseverance, loyalty, and integrity are as vital to success as race wins themselves. His candid reflections provide a glimpse into the realities behind the glamorous image of professional racing, emphasizing the emotional trials drivers face and the value of a solid support network.
This journey has humanized Elliott in the eyes of fans and fellow racers alike, showing that ongoing growth and resilience often overshadow mere statistics. His story offers a hopeful message that enduring challenges with the right team by one’s side can ultimately lead to meaningful success.
As the 2025 season progresses, Elliott’s recent win may mark the beginning of a renewed chapter in his career, reigniting his drive to compete among NASCAR’s elite. Fans and analysts will be eager to see if this victory could spark further triumphs and how his continued loyalty to Hendrick Motorsports shapes both his legacy and the team’s future.