Dale Earnhardt Jr. Unravels His Behind-the-Scenes Push That Secured Chase Elliott’s NASCAR Legacy With Iconic No. 9

In NASCAR, car numbers aren’t just paint and decals. In fact, they’re identity, legacy, and emotion all rolled into one. Fans don’t just cheer for drivers; they cheer for numbers that carry decades of history. The No. 3 will forever be tied to Dale Earnhardt Sr., the No. 24 to Jeff Gordon, and the No. 43 to Richard Petty’s royal blue dominance.

When a driver switches numbers, it’s not just a team decision, but rather a moment that can reshape a career and fan loyalty. That’s why one of the sport’s most memorable number swaps happened behind the scenes with a little nudge from Dale Earnhardt Jr., and it involved none other than Chase Elliott and the number that’s become synonymous with his rise.

How Dale Jr. helped Chase Elliott claim the No. 9

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s influence on Chase Elliott’s journey to the No. 9 car highlights how icons shape legacies off the track as well as on it. Elliott himself recalls, “To be honest, I’ve always kind of poked at [Hendrick] and joked about it for years, but I didn’t really expect anything to come of it. I was happy where I was at.” Yet while Elliott wore the famed No. 24 and built respect in the garage, Dale Jr. recognized a moment to make something special happen.

Reflecting on his own experience, Dale Jr. admitted, “He didn’t want to disappoint Jeff and Rick,” referencing the pressures Elliott felt about changing numbers so early in his career. Junior, understanding how meaningful family numbers can be, went directly to Rick Hendrick. “I got an idea. A deal. An Elliott in the number 9. It’s a big win for everybody. I think the fans will love this to get Chase in the number 9 now and hopefully run the next 20 years.”

As you may know, the No. 9 car holds a deep and rich significance for the Elliott family, representing a legacy that spans multiple generations in NASCAR. Bill Elliott, Chase’s father and a NASCAR Hall of Famer, began racing the No. 9 early in his career, first appearing with it in 1976. He famously carried the number during some of his greatest moments, including his championship-winning 1988 season and multiple Daytona 500 victories in the 1980s.

Chase Elliott credits Earnhardt for urging him. “It was actually Dale Jr. (who) really deserves a credit for the number switch from my perspective because… he knew I wanted to do it, but I never really said.” The push to speak up, as Dale Jr. said, “You need to speak up about this right now because you’re probably not going to have another opportunity to do it,” helped facilitate the crucial conversation with Rick Hendrick and secure Richard Petty’s blessing to acquire the number in 2018.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. summed up his role modestly: “I was… what small role I played in sort of kicking the ball down the hill. I was happy to do because Chase, I wanted that for Chase.” The result: a fan-favorite driver carried on his family tradition in NASCAR’s most coveted spotlight, showing how shared respect and timely advocacy can shape the sport’s history.

The legacy of Car No. 9

The No. 9 car boasts a storied history in NASCAR, having been piloted by some of the sport’s most iconic and successful drivers. Bill Elliott, Chase’s father and NASCAR Hall of Famer, is the most prominent name associated with the number. From 1976 to 2003, Bill Elliott raced the No. 9 and notched 38 wins. His dominance in that car helped set the foundation for the number’s legendary status.

Following Bill, other notable drivers carried the No. 9, including Kasey Kahne, who earned 11 wins while driving the car primarily from 2005 to 2010. Marcos Ambrose also drove the No. 9 in the 2011 season. Similarly, Aric Almirola and Stacy Compton had stints behind the wheel of the No. 9 throughout the 2000s. Each driver, while bringing their own style, contributed to the number’s ongoing legacy in NASCAR’s competitive history.

Chase Elliott has become the latest torchbearer, returning the No. 9 to prominence with Hendrick Motorsports in 2018. Since taking over the number, Chase has earned 18 Cup Series victories, including his 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Championship. He has firmly cemented the No. 9 as a symbol of excellence for the next generation, intertwining his own success with the legacy left by his father and others before him.

The number 9’s legacy is deeply tied to NASCAR history, symbolizing championship success, resilience, and excellence over decades. With the 29-year-old racing it today, fans see a living continuation of that heritage, making the No. 9 one of the most respected and recognized numbers in the sport.