Dale Earnhardt Jr. helps Chase Elliott fulfill a family legacy in NASCAR by guiding him to secure the legendary No. 9 car number in a significant moment for the sport. The move brought together figures like Rick Hendrick and Richard Petty, reshaping team identities while honoring one of racing’s most iconic family traditions.
The Pathway to the No. 9: Elliott Receives Support from Earnhardt Jr.
Growing up as the son of a celebrated NASCAR icon, Chase Elliott faced the expectations and pressures typical of a second-generation driver. The Elliott family, much like the Earnhardts, became central to NASCAR’s identity, with Bill Elliott’s racing history and achievements casting a long shadow over the current Cup Series grid.
Bill Elliott, the 1988 Cup Series champion, built a reputation as one of his era’s most successful drivers, best known for his numerous victories and exuberant celebrations. Chase Elliott followed in his father’s racing footsteps, eager to represent the family name and, crucially, compete in the No. 9 car deeply associated with their legacy.
However, the journey to reclaim the No. 9 was not straightforward for Chase. Although he now commands the No. 9 on race day, his assignment at Hendrick Motorsports originally saw him behind the wheel of another number. The rights to No. 9 were held by Richard Petty Motorsports, which, after exiting NASCAR, left the number unused on the Cup Series circuit.
During a period of organizational transitions at Hendrick Motorsports, Jeff Gordon’s departure from the No. 24 car left Chase Elliott with the opportunity to join the team, but not with his desired number. In 2018, as changes swept through the team, Elliott’s ambition to obtain the No. 9 grew stronger. At that point, Dale Earnhardt Jr. played a critical role by advising Elliott to advocate for his family’s number with leadership.
“You need to speak up about this right now because you’re probably not gonna have another opportunity to do it,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Driver
Following Earnhardt’s advice, Elliott approached Rick Hendrick directly to make his case for the No. 9. With Richard Petty’s understanding of the number’s value to the Elliott heritage—and the number being unused—a deal was arranged between Hendrick Motorsports and Petty Enterprises. As a result, Chase Elliott has piloted the No. 9 car ever since, restoring the storied number to its former glory.
The Deep Significance of the No. 9 to Elliott and NASCAR
The determination to acquire the No. 9 may seem puzzling to new fans, as many might not realize the importance a car number can hold within NASCAR. Veterans of the sport understand the substantial weight behind these traditions, particularly for families whose identity is interwoven with a racing number’s history.
In the 1980s, Bill Elliott was considered the benchmark for speed, most notably setting the NASCAR qualifying speed record in 1987 with a lap at Talladega registering 212.809 mph—a mark that still tops the record books. These legendary feats all occurred while Bill Elliott drove with the No. 9 on his vehicle.
During his celebrated career, 34 out of Bill’s 44 race wins, including his Cup Series championship in 1988, came while piloting the famous No. 9 car. The number’s significance for the Elliott family also includes a period from 1995 to 2000, during which Bill switched to No. 94 to honor his nephew, Casey Elliott, following Casey’s death due to cancer.
Legacy Secured: Looking Ahead in NASCAR
The remarkable journey of Chase Elliott, aided by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Rick Hendrick, and recognition by Richard Petty, highlights the enduring value of tradition in NASCAR. By reclaiming the No. 9, Elliott honors both his father’s legacy and the deep emotional ties racing families have with the sport. For fans, the story is a reminder of how individual ambitions and collective respect for history continue to shape NASCAR’s competitive landscape. As the Cup Series moves forward, Chase Elliott and the No. 9 will remain a powerful symbol connecting racing’s storied past with its evolving present.
