Chase Elliott Signs Contract Extension with Hendrick
On the morning of the first race of the 2022 season, Chase Elliott has solidified his future driving plans. Just hours before the Daytona 500, it was announced that the 26-year old signed a five-year contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports.
Elliott was set to become a free agent after this year but opted instead to get rid of any possible distractions that may interfere with the '22 season. The 2020 Cup champion and four-time reigning winner of the fan-voted most popular driver award is now locked into the No. 9 Chevrolet through the 2027 campaign.
“I feel so fortunate to be in this position,” Elliott said. “I have a great team ... 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.”
The team has seen quite the turnaround since the departure of veterans Dale Earnhardt Jr, Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie Johnson. All four drivers made the playoffs last season as they combined to win 17 of the 36 races. Kyle Larson's title after winning 10 of those races gave Hendrick back-to-back championships.
Larson is on the pole for today's race, with teammate Alex Bowman joining him on the front row. Elliott starts 11th after finishing 2nd in last year’s Great American Race. Both Elliott and Larson have a title on their resume but are searching for their first Daytona 500 victory later this afternoon.
Since he started racing full-time in the Cup series in 2016, Elliott has won 13 races and recorded 74 top-five finishes. He has nine career poles and has qualified for the playoffs in each of his first six seasons.
The 2016 Rookie of the Year is excited to remain with the team. “I feel so fortunate to be in this position,” Elliott said. “I have a great team with leadership from Alan Gustafson 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.”
“Chase is a champion on and off the track,” said team owner Rick 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.”
With today's announcement, the team can now turn their attention to William Byron. Earlier in the week, Hendrick said that he was close on extensions for both Elliott and the driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet. Byron signed a two-year contract extension in September 2020 that is set to end after this season. Larson and Bowman are signed through the 2023 season.
