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| This photo posted to Jayski.com could mean Chase Elliott will run some Cup races sooner than later (Google Images) |
Chase Elliott has long been rumored as the heir apparent to Jeff Gordon and the No. 24 team. Now that Gordon is retiring, at least from full-time competition, the path is now clear for Elliott to make his way to Sprint Cup full-time. But while he has not been officially announced as Hendrick Motorsports' newest wheelman, it's really a no brainer that he will be promoted next year.
Actually... make that this year.
Ever since last season there has been speculation that Elliott would run a limited number of Sprint Cup races in 2015 to try and wet his pallet. Under NASCAR rules, despite the fact that HMS has four teams, they are allowed to run a part-time team with a rookie for a select number of events. In addition, the funding is already in place to run a few cup events. NAPA Auto Parts has been Elliott's sponsor since 2014 when the duo won three races, two poles and the Nationwide title. NAPA also has money to fund a full-time Sprint Cup Series ride. They did so with Michael Waltrip from 2001 until 2009, then with Martin Truex Jr from 2010 through 2013. Given that they have already had more on track success in one year with Elliott than they did in over a decade with Waltrip and his team, they have clearly found their golden goose. There's no reason why the auto parts juggernaut wouldn't want to gain even more exposure with Elliott and his team by moving to Sprint Cup.
Jayski.com, NASCAR's premier "Silly Season" authority posted a picture they received from a fan of a blue and gold No. 25 NAPA Chevrolet with Elliott's name on the door. Many fans have been debating whether Rick Hendrick would resurrect the No. 25 his son drove in the Nationwide (then Busch) Series and by Brian Vickers and Casey Mears in cup or if Elliott would run a number his famous father, "Awesome" Bill Elliott ran. His cars carried either a No. 9 or No. 94. But with the leaked photo, it appears Elliott will run the No. 25 this season. But when will he actually climb aboard his new mount?
All signs point to the race in Atlanta on March 1st. The Elliott's are from Dawsonville, Georgia. The town still sounds the fire siren on top of the pool hall in town whenever Chase scores a victory, just as they have done so many times with Bill. Not only is Atlanta Elliott's home track, it is also the home base for NAPA. No doubt both parties would want to make their Sprint Cup debut in front of their home town crowd.
Looking at how this story is playing out, it all sounds a little familiar. Hendrick Motorsports is bringing a farm series standout to the sport's highest level on a part-time basis in preparation to run for a title next season; their first start being at the Atlanta Motor Speedway with a big time, big money sponsorship deal.
That all seemed to work out really well for the man who drove the guy who drove the No. 24 car in that well documented debut. I think his successor should do fine following the same path in the No. 25 car.
UPDATE: Hendrick Motorsports announced Friday afternoon that Chase Elliott will drive the No. 24 car full-time in 2016 with crew chief Alan Gustafson. Sponsorship will be announced at a later date. Elliott will also run five Sprint Cup races in 2015 with crew chief Kenny Francis and the No. 25 NAPA Chevrolet. NAPA will also back Elliott as he defends his 2014 title in the Xfinity Series this season.. The pair will be entered at Martinsville Speedway (March 29), Richmond International Raceway (April 25), Charlotte Motor Speedway (May 24), Indianapolis Motor Speedway (July 26) and Darlington Raceway (September 6).
"Chase brings the kind of intangibles that make him the total package as a driver," team owner Rick Hendrick as he announced the news during the team's season kickoff employee event. "Not only is he a special talent inside the race car, but there's a natural combination of competitiveness, work ethic and smarts that you rarely see. Chase's personality and demeanor make him popular with fans, teammates and sponsors. He's a great fit for our organization on many levels, and we feel he and Alan will be a successful combination. There's a lot to be excited about."
"Chase has been a fantastic ambassador for NAPA," said Gaylord Spencer, senior vice president of marketing for NAPA Auto Parts. "As he embarks on this next important step in his career, we are proud to support him across both series in 2015 and look forward to an exciting year on and off the track. The NAPA family is behind Chase 100 percent."
"So many people have been behind me, and the first thing I want to do is thank them," said Elliott. "My parents especially have believed in me every step of the way, and I know this wouldn't be possible without all the sacrifices they've made to focus on my racing career. This is such a big week for our family. I'm also extremely grateful to Mr. Hendrick and my teammates at both Hendrick Motorsports and JR Motorsports for believing in me. NAPA has been a huge supporter and I'm honored to represent them on and off the track. Of course the fans have been amazing to me, and I'm so appreciative of that. I know how rare this opportunity is and will work as hard as I can to make everyone proud."
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