December 2, 2021 | By Lee Spencer

Hooters extends support of Chase Elliott and the No. 9 Hendrick team

NASHVILLE—Chase Elliott will get a boost as Hooters returns to sponsor the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet over the next three seasons.

What started with the second-generation racer as a two-race deal in 2017 has expanded to a three-race sponsorship through 2024.

“For five seasons, Chase has been a brand champion for Hooters both on and off the track, and we are thrilled to extend our partnership with him and Hendrick Motorsports,” said Hooters vice president of brand marketing Monica Fleury. “As the home of race fans, Hooters will continue to provide one-of-a-kind experiences fans can only get at our restaurants. Both Chase’s fan base and NASCAR fans are extremely loyal, and we plan to continue to feed this spirit and passion for years to come.”

Hooters will be the primary livery for Elliott for the NASCAR Cup debut at World Wide Technology on June 5, the Bristol Night Race on Sept. 17 and at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct. 16.

“Hooters has been a fun partner to work with over the years,” Elliott said. “They’re a laid-back group that does a great job of promoting their brand and including our team as a big piece of their marketing. They do a lot with each of their three primary races but also make the most of the partnership throughout the entire season. The next several years will be exciting for our team and for the sport, and I’m glad to have Hooters back on board for the ride.”

Elliott, 26, finished fourth in the 2021 NASCAR Cup standings—his second appearance in the Championship 4 round and sixth appearance in the Playoffs overall. Although he’s collected 13 wins over the last six seasons, he’s still searching for his first victory in the No. 9 Hooters Chevy.

“Looking forward to three more years together and trying to get to Victory Lane,” Elliott said. “That’s the one thing we haven’t been able to check the box with them yet. So hopefully, we can do that and have a successful run.”

Although HMS has yet to announce Elliott’s deal beyond 2022, the 2020 champion appears secure in his current seat.

“Hooters does a terrific job maximizing the program with Chase and the No. 9 team,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “To see our partnership deliver valuable results for them is very rewarding. Chase is a champion driver and tremendous spokesperson for the brand, and we look forward to building on that success in the seasons to come.”

NOTE: Elliott will drive for Kyle Larson in the 2022 Chili Bowl Nationals. When asked about competing for his teammate again, Elliott joked, "If he didn't fire me after Ventura."