Hendrick Motorsports announced that they have reached a five-year contract extension with 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion Chase Elliott, the extension will keep Elliott at HMS through the end of the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season. Hendrick Motorsports made the announcement on Sunday morning before the season-opening Daytona 500.
“I feel so fortunate to be in this position,” said Elliott in a team release. “I have a great team with leadership from Alan (Gustafson, crew chief) and the support of the best car owner and racing organization in the world. For me, there’s a lot of pride in driving for Hendrick Motorsports and having the opportunity to win races and compete for championships. We are capable of accomplishing a lot more and it starts today.”
According to team owner Rick Hendrick, the 26-year old Elliott is the total package. He’s popular, he’s talented and he carries himself as a true professional.
“Chase is a champion on and off the track,” said Hendrick. “His talent inside the race car is undeniable, and he’s just scratching the surface of what he can do. This is a young man who is mature beyond his years, comes from an incredible family, and is humble, hardworking and never takes anything for granted. As long as Chase is driving, we want him right here with Hendrick Motorsports. This is an exciting way to start the season, and we look forward to many, many more together.”
Elliott, the sport’s Most Popular Driver, had a contract that was facing expiration at the end of the 2022 season. With no official word from HMS heading into the 2022 season, people had begun asking for clarification on Elliott’s status.
Before the Bluegreen Vacation Duels at Daytona on Thursday, Rick Hendrick put an end to any potential rumors by saying he intends to keep Elliott and William Byron, “forever,” and that contract news would be coming soon.
True to his word, Elliott’s extension was announced on Sunday. Byron’s should be coming soon, as well.
