Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Stunning Confession About Chase Elliott’s No. 9 Car Rewrites NASCAR History

In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through NASCAR’s heartland, Dale Earnhardt Jr. broke his long-held silence on September 19, 2025, unveiling a deeply personal and pivotal role he played in securing Chase Elliott’s place in the iconic No. 9 car at Hendrick Motorsports, forever altering how fans view the sport’s modern era. Speaking candidly on his Dale Jr. Download podcast, the Hall of Fame driver and JR Motorsports co-owner admitted to orchestrating a delicate balance of loyalty, mentorship, and legacy to ensure Elliott’s success, driven by a profound sense of responsibility to Jeff Gordon and Rick Hendrick. This bombshell confession not only illuminates the intricate trust binding NASCAR’s biggest names but also recasts the No. 9’s rise as a testament to Earnhardt Jr.’s behind-the-scenes influence, reshaping the narrative of Hendrick’s dynasty and Elliott’s ascent as the sport’s torchbearer.

When Chase Elliott debuted in the No. 9 Chevrolet in 2016, fans saw it as a nod to his father, Bill Elliott, whose own legacy with the number defined an era. But Earnhardt Jr.’s revelation unveils a far richer story. As Jeff Gordon prepared to retire from the No. 24 car in 2015, Hendrick Motorsports faced a monumental challenge: transitioning from one legend to the next without losing their edge. Earnhardt Jr., then a Hendrick driver and mentor through JR Motorsports, emerged as a trusted confidant. “I didn’t want to let Jeff and Rick down,” he confessed. “There were things happening behind the scenes with that car, and I felt responsible to make sure the right guy was in it.” His words, raw and emotional, revealed a pivotal role in advocating for Elliott, then a 20-year-old Xfinity standout, to carry Hendrick’s future.

The decision wasn’t straightforward. Elliott had tested the No. 24, Gordon’s iconic number, but Earnhardt Jr. pushed back, fearing the crushing weight of comparisons would derail the young driver. “If Chase goes in the 24, every mistake will be magnified,” he told Hendrick and Gordon, per Motorsport.com. “He’ll be judged against Jeff every week—that’s not fair. The 9 gives him space to be himself.” Drawing from his own experience racing under the shadow of Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s No. 3 and his own No. 8, Earnhardt Jr. knew the burden of legendary numbers. His empathy shaped a pivotal choice: the No. 9, tied to Bill Elliott’s glory, offered Chase a fresh canvas to forge his own path, unencumbered by Gordon’s towering legacy.

The decision proved prophetic. Elliott, free from the No. 24’s expectations, blossomed into a 2020 Cup Series champion, amassing 19 wins and becoming NASCAR’s most popular driver, a mantle Earnhardt Jr. once held. Fans erupted on X, with #DaleJrLegacy trending as @NASCARVibe posted, “Dale Jr. saved Chase from being crushed by Gordon’s shadow—pure genius.” Others, like @RacingPulse, wrote, “This makes me respect Junior even more—he’s NASCAR’s unsung hero.” Yet, some questioned if Hendrick’s trust in Earnhardt Jr. sidelined other prospects, fueling debates about the team’s succession strategy.

Earnhardt Jr.’s role extended beyond advocacy. As a mentor at JR Motorsports, where Elliott honed his skills in the Xfinity Series, he scouted and shaped the young Georgian, offering insights that bridged raw talent with Cup-ready polish. His influence, rooted in the pain of his own scrutinized career, was deeply personal. “I knew what it was like to carry a number that meant more than you,” he said. “I didn’t want Chase to face that, and I didn’t want to let Jeff and Rick down either.” This dual loyalty—to Elliott’s potential and Hendrick’s legacy—underscored his quiet power within the organization.

The confession adds a new layer to Hendrick Motorsports’ storied history, intertwining the legacies of Gordon, Hendrick, and Earnhardt Jr. in a way fans hadn’t fully grasped. It also elevates the No. 9’s significance, joining iconic numbers like 3, 24, and 43 in NASCAR lore, not just for Elliott’s triumphs but for the deliberate choices behind it. Analysts like Fox Sports’ Larry McReynolds called it “a masterclass in stewardship,” while ESPN’s Marty Smith noted, “Dale Jr.’s influence proves he’s more than a driver—he’s NASCAR’s guardian.” Social media buzzed with #No9Truth, as fans debated whether other teams could replicate such foresight.

For Earnhardt Jr., retired from full-time racing since 2017, this revelation cements his legacy as a protector of NASCAR’s soul. Beyond his 26 Cup wins and two Daytona 500s, his impact lies in guiding the next generation, from Elliott to JR Motorsports stars like Carson Kvapil. As he reflected, “Sometimes, it’s not about what you do on the track—it’s about making sure the next guy succeeds.” With Elliott’s recent performance-based contract raising stakes at Hendrick, Earnhardt Jr.’s confession underscores his enduring role in shaping NASCAR’s future, ensuring the No. 9 shines not just for wins, but for the trust and sacrifice that built it.