Chase Elliott said he was on vacation when he got the news that Hendrick Motorsports will change his car number from No. 24 to No. 9 next season.
“It was a big surprise actually,’’ Elliott told NASCAR.com Friday. “To be honest, I really didn’t know anything about it until last week while I was on my trip actually."
While Elliott will retain his No. 24 shop, cars and personnel next season, his Hendrick Chevrolet will bear the No. 9, honoring the number made famous by his father, Bill Elliott. Annually voted the most popular driver in NASCAR, Bill Elliott won 44 NASCAR Cup races and the 1988 series championship on his way to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
William Byron, who will take over the No. 5 Hendrick Chevrolet being driven this season by Kasey Kahne, will carry the No. 24 in 2018.
Currently seventh in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup standings, Elliott is thrilled to have his father's iconic number.
“I’ve had a tie to it for a long time,’’ Elliott said. “I’ve run that number ever since I could remember. When it wasn’t available I ran the 94 … always had a 9 in it somewhere. It’s a sense of being home in a lot of ways and it definitely feels right.”
Bill Elliott told NASCAR.com he was honored by team owner Rick Hendrick's decision.
“It means a lot,’’ Elliott said. “The thing is, I grew up racing and Chase grew up racing the No. 9. It was an honor for Chase to drive for Mr. Hendrick in the 24 and it’s such an iconic number, but all my legacy has been in the 9 and basically all of Chase’s legacy has been in the 9. He won the 2014 (Xfinity Series) championship in the 9 car and ran two years in that series in the 9 car for Dale (Earnhardt) Jr. That being said, I know it was a really big thing for him and I know he wants to carry that on.
“It’s very special for our family and I believe it’s very special for Chase. This is what he really wanted and this is a special part of his career.”
