Chase Elliott‘s switch to the legendary No. 9 car at Hendrick Motorsports in 2018 was a pivotal moment in his NASCAR career, tied deeply to his family’s racing tradition. The decision—which surprised fans and the industry—came after guidance from Dale Earnhardt Jr., as revealed in a recent discussion about the Chase Elliott number 9 switch.
Chase Elliott’s Unexpected Opportunity to Claim No. 9
In 2017, Hendrick Motorsports announced a significant shift: Chase Elliott would soon be piloting the No. 9, a number famously associated with his father, Bill Elliott. William Byron, meanwhile, would inherit the No. 24 as he entered his rookie season. The switch followed a period when Elliott returned from a European trip with friends, including Ryan Blaney, and he confessed he was surprised by the timing. According to Elliott, the urging of Dale Earnhardt Jr. played a vital role, as Earnhardt recognized how much Elliott wanted the switch, even as he refrained from voicing it.
Dale Jr.’s Advice Behind the Scenes
Elliott later shared, on the BobbyCast podcast, that Earnhardt pushed him to make a move before the window of opportunity closed with the coming season’s changes. Dale Jr. sensed Elliott’s desire for the number but noticed his reluctance to speak up, especially considering the lasting legacy attached to the No. 24, driven by Jeff Gordon.
Heeding Earnhardt’s advice, Elliott thanked him and made the call to Rick Hendrick. Eventually, the request reached Richard Petty, still the official owner of the number. Petty agreed to release the No. 9, understanding the importance of its heritage and believing Elliott was the right person to bring it forward again.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Perspective on the Switch
Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently reflected on the story during his podcast, recounting how Elliott hesitated because he didn’t want to upset Hendrick or Gordon by abandoning the No. 24. Earnhardt himself pitched the idea to Rick Hendrick, explaining that Elliott taking the No. 9 would benefit everyone, and naming William Byron as a natural fit for Gordon’s former number.
“I went to Chase and I just said, ‘Hey man! If you wanted to change, you better do it soon. You’re building some equity with this 24, but it’s not too late to change and it not be like a, kind of a awkward thing.’ So, he’s like, ‘Oh, no. I ain’t going to ask for that. I’m okay.’ And I’m like, ‘Well, would you want to?’ He goes, ‘Yeah, I would, but I’m okay.’”
— Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Veteran
Junior said he approached Hendrick directly to pitch the case for the change.
“I went to Rick and I said, ‘Rick. Man… I got an idea… Elliot in the number 9 is a big win for everybody… This would be insane. The fans would love this- Chase in the number nine and for him to get this done now and be able to hopefully run the next 20 years with this number racking up more equity in the number and the history of the number.’ So he’s like he’s like ‘I’d be fine with that.’”
— Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Veteran
Chase Elliott’s Decision and Its Impact
The switch was finalized after Dale Jr. informed Elliott that Hendrick was supportive, prompting Chase to take the necessary steps. Earnhardt explained,
“I knew down in there somewhere that that’s really truly what he wanted, but he didn’t want to disappoint Jeff and Rick, and I think for me, the number (24) fits Byron,”
emphasizing the internal conflict Elliott faced and the suitability of the transition for all involved.
The No. 9 holds a storied legacy in NASCAR, with drivers like Len Brown, Frank Luptow, Joe Weatherly, Roy Tyner, and Pete Hamilton contributing to its history. Yet, it was Bill Elliott—Chase’s father—who made it a legend, earning 36 victories over a 14-year stretch and etching the number into NASCAR lore. While Chase Elliott began his Cup series journey in the No. 24 car, his achievements in the No. 9 since the switch have furthered both the family’s and his own legacy.
Ongoing Significance for Elliott and NASCAR
Since adopting the No. 9, Chase Elliott has scored 20 Cup series wins, capturing his first career victory and the 2020 championship along the way. Every race he drives the No. 9 honors his father’s remarkable achievements and continues a proud racing tradition. The decision, shaped by conversations involving Dale Earnhardt Jr., Rick Hendrick, Richard Petty, Jeff Gordon, and others, stands as a milestone for Elliott and a compelling chapter in NASCAR history. The number’s symbolism endures each time Elliott takes to the track, connecting the past and present through iconic family ties.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. got asked about this on today's Ask Jr and gave his side of the story on getting Chase Elliott to switch to No. 9 in Cup.
Jr got the sense that Chase didn't want to disappoint Rick Hendrick or Jeff Gordon by not using the No. 24 even though he really wanted… https://t.co/DLFa3TKJG9 pic.twitter.com/FF6qJReAR8
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) September 16, 2025
