CONCORD, N.C. – Last week, Hendrick Motorsports unveiled four new primary paint schemes for the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series season.
Among the new cars was the very first look at Chase Elliott’s No. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
The NAPA Chevy incorporates the signature blue and yellow colors on a white base. The car has a shimmering look that is sure to shine on the racetrack.
Following the reveal event, Elliott expressed his excitement about the fresh look that will hit the track in 2018.
“The car looks really good,” he shared. “NAPA and the team at Hendrick (Motorsports) did a great job designing this car and doing something different that was not the same and not what we’ve always seen from NAPA cars over the years. I think we did that, and did it well.”
After two seasons in the No. 24 Chevy, Elliott will be behind the wheel of the No. 9 car next season, a number that has great meaning to the Elliott family.
Elliott’s father, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, drove the No. 9 during his time in NASCAR’s premier series.
“People talk about getting your dad’s number and all that stuff and I actually ran the No. 9 for a long time prior to the past year-and-a-half,” Elliott said. “It was really the number that I started with and the number that I’ve always run when I could, unless it was taken.”
Although Elliott looks forward to getting behind the wheel of the No. 9, he is focused on the remainder of the 2017 season as he continues run in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.
“I feel like I have an obligation to finish the year strong in the No. 24,” he said. “It’s not only an obligation because I’m switching numbers, but I really want to have success in that car and in that number while I still have the opportunity.”
Elliott noted that he wants to add to the legacy that Jeff Gordon created in the No. 24.
“I will no longer have that opportunity in six more races," he said, "so I look at these next handful of weeks as a chance to add to the success that Jeff has had over the years. I’m looking forward to it."